Job Description
Korn Ferry has partnered with our client on their search for the role, Chief Executive Officer The Organization About Life Link III Life Link III is a nationally recognized, nonprofit critical care air medical transport organization serving Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Midwest. For more than four decades, it has provided safe, reliable, life-saving care, ensuring rapid access to advanced clinical expertise when it matters most. Founded in 1985 as a pioneering hospital-based consortium, Life Link III is now one of the largest and most established nonprofit air medical models in the United States. Owned and governed by nine leading regional health systems, the organization operates with a neutral, mission-driven approach, transporting patients based solely on clinical need. Its consortium structure enables shared stewardship of resources, collaboration across systems, and consistently high standards of care across competitive markets. Life Link III operates an integrated transport system combining rotor wing and fixed wing aviation, advanced critical care medicine, and a centralized Communications and Operations Control Center operating 24/7. With eleven helicopter bases and a dedicated fixed wing aircraft, the organization completes thousands of transports annually, delivering seamless bedside-to-bedside care. Known for its culture of safety, clinical excellence, and high-reliability operations, Life Link III is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) for both rotor and fixed wing services and is widely regarded as a leader in nonprofit, high-acuity medical transport. Purpose of the Position The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Life Link III serves as the organization’s strategic leader, chief steward of safety and quality, and primary ambassador. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for advancing a mission-driven, nonprofit critical care transport organization operating at the intersection of healthcare, aviation, and emergency response—while preserving its commitment to patient-centered care, clinical excellence, and high-reliability operations. Leading one of the nation’s premier hospital-based consortium models, the CEO partners closely with member health systems, Board leadership, and physicians to align enterprise strategy with stakeholder priorities. This role requires balancing collaboration and accountability within a shared-governance environment to build trust, drive performance, and ensure long-term sustainability. In a complex and evolving healthcare landscape, the CEO will set long-term strategy, drive growth and innovation, and maintain strong financial and operational performance. Externally, the CEO represents Life Link III as a trusted industry leader, strengthening relationships with key partners while inspiring a high-performing, mission-driven workforce. Key Responsibilities The Chief Executive Officer will provide visionary, disciplined, and values‑driven leadership for Life Link III, ensuring the organization consistently delivers on its mission while operating at the highest levels of safety, clinical excellence, and operational reliability. The CEO is responsible for translating strategy into execution across a complex, highly regulated, and safety‑critical enterprise—balancing the needs of consortium member health systems, regulatory and accreditation demands, workforce engagement, and long‑term organizational sustainability. In partnership with the Board of Directors and executive leadership team, the CEO will guide enterprise strategy, foster a high‑reliability culture, and position Life Link III to remain a nationally respected leader in nonprofit critical care transport amid evolving healthcare, aviation, and market dynamics. Strategic Leadership, Mission Stewardship and Enterprise Direction Lead the development and execution of Life Link III’s enterprise strategy, aligning mission, performance objectives, and long‑range priorities across a rapidly evolving healthcare and aviation landscape. Translate Life Link III’s mission and values into clear organizational goals, performance metrics, and decision‑making frameworks that guide both near‑term execution and long‑term growth. Anticipate external trends—including healthcare consolidation, reimbursement dynamics, regulatory change, and workforce pressures—and ensure the organization remains strategically positioned, relevant, and resilient. Safety, Quality, and High-Reliability Operations Partner with representative aviation and clinical safety leadership, ensuring full compliance with all applicable regulatory, accreditation, and safety management requirements. Champion and continuously reinforce a Just Cultu