August Update from Interim CEO, Kolby Kolbet

August 11, 2022

I’d like to provide an update regarding the search for the AAMS President and CEO. The AAMS Board has met and discussed this search in great detail. Our industry is at a pivotal point; therefore, we are being deliberate in our efforts moving forward. We simply cannot continue to do the same things we have always done and expect to yield better results. With all the changes to the transport industry - such as reimbursement, workforce challenges, and the state of the economy - it is necessary for us to pause to ensure that the AAMS mission is backed by value to the members. It would be difficult to install a President and CEO without a clear vision.

So what does this mean? The AAMS board will be meeting next month to re-establish our position and the AAMS role as our industry trade association, as well as the most productive next steps for the MedEvac Foundation. We want to establish the overall value proposition to our members, and it is also very important to us that we serve as valued and collaborative partner with the other associations within our industry. Our associations have much more in common than we do not, and that provides us all a great opportunity for increased collaboration. I, along with other board members, are actively connecting with past and present AAMS members, sponsors, and industry partners to have conversations and receive candid feedback. I welcome each of you to share your ideas on how AAMS can add value to your organizations.

Once our vision and strategy have been established, we will communicate the details of the posting and timeline for the President/CEO position moving forward.

In other news, Megan Cohen has resigned from her position as Executive Director of the Medevac Foundation to pursue a new opportunity. Her last day will be August 31st. Megan has significantly contributed to the operations of both the Foundation and AAMS,  and we wish her the best as she transitions to her next chapter. Megan was a pleasure to work with and clearly passionate about our industry. Tissy Greene, Senior Director of Strategic Engagement, stands ready to assume Foundation duties in the interim. Tissy has a solid background serving healthcare associations prior to her time at AAMS, including the Neurocritical Care Society and the American Society of Extracorporeal Technology, where her focus was providing oversight for councils and assisting with authoring white papers and position statements. Tissy has also been instrumental in the Foundation's Taking Care of Our Own events, as well as identifying ways to offer additional value to our members.

Thank you for your continued support!

 
Kolby Kolbet, RN, MSN, CFRN, FACHE, CMTE
AAMS Interim President and CEO