April 21, 2021 – Richfield, WI – Flight For Life has announced Leif Erickson as its next executive director. In his new role, Erickson, a Lieutenant with the Richfield Volunteer Fire Company, 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.
“It is an honor to have been tapped to lead Flight For Life, a nonprofit renowned for its commitment to excellence and care,” said Erickson. “Over the course of my career I have had the opportunity to see first hand how important this organization is to Southeastern Wisconsin. I look forward to continuing our proud tradition of safety, and our dedication to clinical excellence, education, and enhancing relationships with our local hospitals and Fire/EMS agencies. My vision includes supporting and removing barriers for our staff, expanding our clinical and research capabilities and solidifying partnerships with health care, Fire/EMSproviders to provide patients with the best possible outcomes.”
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.
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About Flight for Life: Flight For Life has been a trusted community partner since 1984. Over the last 37 years, FFL has cared for and transported more than 37,000 of the most critical patients in Southeastern Wisconsin – moving patients from scenes and area hospitals to the treatment they needed. As a not-for-profit organization, Flight For Life makes it their mission to provide safe, high-quality and efficient medical transportation to patients with a customer-oriented approach. Learn more at flightforlife.org.
