Flight for Life Announces New Executive Director
Flight paramedic and long-time FFL leader Leif Erickson ascending to top leadership role
WAUKESHA, Wis. – Flight For Life has announced Leif Erickson as its next executive director. In his new role, Erickson will advance Flight for Life’s overall mission to provide Wisconsin communities research-based critical care transport services.
“Leif is the person best positioned to pilot this new era for Flight For Life,” said Bob Simi, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center (MRMC), of which Flight For Life is a part. “His vision for and deep understanding of Flight for Life and the critical care landscape in Wisconsin as well as his commitment to the community make him the right person for the job.”
Erickson brings both a strong business acumen and understanding of emergency medicine to his new role, having previously served as Flight For Life’s Director of Operations, Education Coordinator and as a Flight Paramedic providing direct care to patients. As Director of Operations, he was tasked with managing all EMS transportation program operations, and providing oversight for the communication center, medical staff and flight operations.
Prior to joining the organization in 2005, Erickson held leadership roles at several local fire departments. He was Assistant Division Chief at the Kenosha Fire Department and was a Lieutenant at the Village of Mount Pleasant Fire Department in Racine County. Erickson, a native of Southeastern Wisconsin, grew up in Racine and graduated from St. Catherine’s High School. He was actively involved in Erickson Ambulance, founded by his grandfather in 1957 and carried on by his father until his retirement in 2002. Erickson is an active community member and volunteer, currently serving as a Lieutenant on the Richfield Volunteer Fire Company.
Erickson earned his bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and is a master’s degree candidate in business administration from Ottawa University. He also holds an associate’s degree in fire science from Milwaukee Area Technical College, a diploma in critical care from the University of Baltimore, and a technical paramedic diploma from Gateway Technical College.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.