Joe Kellner serves as the CEO of LifeFlight of Maine, where he brings a deep understanding of healthcare policy, and a dedication to building world-class EMS systems to improve healthcare outcomes.
While studying at the University of Maine, Joe approached the local volunteer ambulance service to learn where he could find an EMT course, mostly to acquire some basic skills should they become necessary. The on-duty crew convinced him to do an observation shift on the ambulance, and he was hooked.
Over his twenty-year career, he has worked for EMS agencies of all types, including volunteer, municipal, private, and healthcare system-based. He has served in various roles, including EMS clinician, educator, supervisor, director, service chief, and as the senior leader of Northern Light Medical Transport, one of the largest ambulance services in the State of Maine.
With a strong interest in advocacy and policy, Joe served on the Maine EMS board for seven years under appointments from both Governors Lepage and Mills, including a term as its chair, and now serves as the chair of the Maine EMS Licensing Board. He regularly testifies on EMS issues before the Maine legislature and has advocated nationally on issues facing EMS.
Joe earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Maine in Orono. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a licensed paramedic in Maine. He lives in Windham with his wife, Caitlin, and their two boys, Elliott and Leland.