Windham resident to lead LifeFlight of Maine

As LifeFlight of Maine celebrates 25 years of service, Tom Judge has decided to step back as the executive director of the internationally-renowned air medical and aviation service. Joe Kellner of Windham will take on the role of chief executive officer for LifeFlight of Maine.

Joe Kellner of Windham will take on the
role of chief executive officer for
LifeFlight of Maine in October when
longtime CEO Tom Judge steps down.
COURTESY PHOTO  

Under Judge’s leadership, LifeFlight of Maine has received numerous awards for safety, innovation, and clinical excellence. In addition to founding LifeFlight of Maine, Judge was instrumental in establishing The LifeFlight Foundation and, most recently, LifeFlight’s new aviation operation, LifeFlight Aviation Services. Judge will continue to serve LifeFlight in a supporting role as project officer, assisting with legislative advocacy, working with the Federal Aviation Administration on national safety initiatives, and supporting LifeFlight’s research group.

Kellner currently serves as the vice president of finance, operations, and strategy for Northern Light Home Care and Hospice, Northern Light Medical Transport, and chief financial officer of LifeFlight of Maine. He also serves as the chief operating officer for MedComm. Kellner will begin his role as chief executive officer of LifeFlight of Maine on Oct. 1.

Kellner’s responsibilities will encompass all operations of LifeFlight of Maine and LifeFlight Aviation Services. He will be supported by Bill Cyr, the chief operating officer of LifeFlight, and Josh Dickson, the director of aviation services. In addition, Kellner will work in close partnership with The LifeFlight Foundation, led by Kate O’Halloran, who was appointed as the executive director in 2020.

Tim Dentry, president and CEO of Northern Light Health said the leadership transition will be smooth.

“We are grateful to Tom for his vision and dedication in building a world class nonprofit air medical and aviation service,” Dentry said. “With Tom’s leadership, LifeFlight of Maine has become an invaluable resource to our communities, providing life-saving access to acute care for patients who might otherwise be limited by Maine’s diverse geography — whether it be to our numerous islands or the state’s remote wilderness.”

Dentry said that Kellner has spent his 20-year career becoming a respected expert in emergency medical services.

“Over the years, Joe has tirelessly worked to advocate for EMS locally and nationally, and has remained very close to LifeFlight, most recently serving as its chief financial officer,” Dentry said. “He is well positioned to lead LifeFlight of Maine into the future.”

Steve Littleson, the president and CEO of Central Maine Healthcare, said he’s grateful for the work of Judge in leading LifeFlight of Maine and looks forward to working with Kellner.

“I would like to personally thank Tom Judge for his leadership at LifeFlight over the past 25 years,” Littleson said. “In just the past year, LifeFlight has made nearly 400 flights to and from our hospitals in Bridgton, Lewiston, and Rumford, transporting patients more than 25,000 miles. In a state with very challenging terrain, LifeFlight is a real difference-maker in getting patients the care they need as quickly as possible. I look forward to working with Joe Kellner as he takes the reins on this outstanding organization.”

Judge said that he’s humbled by his years of service with LifeFlight of Maine.

“LifeFlight represents an extraordinary effort by hundreds of people over the years building something truly of Maine, for Maine, and by Maine,” he said. “We have developed our vision for the road ahead, and we have built an incredibly capable team and leadership group. It has been a gift for me to serve, and I am looking forward to stepping back from the front line to support the team. We have come a long way and there is an incredible journey ahead, making sure LifeFlight is always there for the people of Maine, when and where they need us.”

The LifeFlight of Maine service is a joint partnership between Northern Light Health and Central Maine Healthcare and is the state’s only air ambulance service. During its 25 years, LifeFlight has safely cared for more than 36,000 patients from every community and hospital in the state. It deploys medical teams from bases in Sanford, Lewiston, and Bangor, using three helicopters, an airplane, rapid response vehicles, and specialized ground ambulances. These teams care for all of Maine’s communities every day of the year, partnering with local emergency medical services, fire/rescue, and hospital providers.” <