Life Link III, a leader in mobile health and emergency medical transportation services, is pleased to announce two strategic leadership appointments that underscore its commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and transformation.
Dr. Bjorn Peterson, MD, who has served as Life Link III’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) & Medical Director since 2022, will be transitioning into a full-time CMO role with the organization. This appointment reflects Life Link III’s focus and commitment to delivering superior clinical outcomes while advancing quality standards. Dr. Peterson will lead and oversee all Life Link III’s clinical operations, further enhance strategic patient care initiatives, and support the organization’s medical teams in continuing to achieve unmatched excellence.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Peterson take on this expanded role,” said Josh Howell, President & Chief Executive Officer at Life Link III. “His expertise and proven leadership as a physician executive, emergency medical services (EMS) physician & board-certified care provider will ensure that Life Link III continues to set the standard for quality patient care and transport excellence.”
Additionally, Life Link III is proud to announce the creation of an executive role; Chief Innovation Officer (CINO), and has appointed Kolby Kolbet to lead in this new and pivotal role. Previously serving for over a decade as Vice President/Chief Clinical Officer, Kolbet has served as a transformative leader who has been instrumental in delivering industry-leading clinical initiatives which have positioned Life Link III as one of the premier flight programs in the U.S. In his expanded role, Kolbet will be focused on integrating artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies into Life Link III’s operations and promoting a culture of innovation across all business units. Kolbet will also spearhead Life Link III efforts in industry affairs, government affairs & advocacy.
"The creation of Life Link III’s Chief Innovation Officer role underscores our commitment to operating at the forefront of healthcare innovation & advancement. Kolby’s exceptional track record in innovation and strategic leadership makes him the perfect choice to guide our efforts in delivering even greater value to our people, patients, and partners. His forward-thinking approach and ability to drive transformative change will ensure we remain responsive to industry trends and evolving patient needs,” added Howell.
These leadership transitions mark an important milestone for Life Link III as it continues to prioritize quality care and groundbreaking advancements in healthcare.
About Life Link III
Life Link III operates eleven helicopter bases that include Alexandria, Blaine, Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, Duluth, Hibbing, Rush City and Willmar, Minnesota, and Marshfield, Rhinelander and Rice Lake, Wisconsin. The company’s helicopter and airplane services provide on-scene emergency response and inter-facility transport for patients requiring critical care. Life Link III’s transportation services have been accredited by CAMTS (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transportation Systems) since 2009, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety are met. In 2024, the program was awarded the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Beacon Award for Excellence Gold, marking a historic first as the only critical care air transport program in the nation to receive the prestigious honor at the Gold level. The AACN Beacon Award for Excellence is a significant recognition program in healthcare that honors exceptional patient care environments.
The Beacon Award evaluates units across three crucial areas: Patient Outcomes, Work Environment, and Nursing Workforce. It assesses various factors including leadership structures, staffing, communication, knowledge management, evidence-based practices, and patient outcomes. This comprehensive evaluation makes the Gold-level achievement a testament to excellence across all aspects of critical care delivery.
Life Link III is a non-profit consortium made up of the following member-owner organizations: Allina Health, CentraCare Health, Children’s Minnesota, Essentia Health, M Health/Fairview Health Services, Regions Hospital/HealthPartners®, Hennepin Healthcare, Sanford Health/Marshfield Clinic Health System, Aspirus St. Luke’s, and Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS). www.lifelinkiii.com
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Contacts
Katie Burkhart
Sr. Director, Marketing & Partner Engagement
kaburkhart@lifelinkiii.com
