McClellan, Calif. – A change of leadership at California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR), a nonprofit air ambulance service provider, is planned for April 1, 2010. CEO Joseph F. Cook, a 22-year veteran of the organization, will retire. His role will be assumed by Lynn Malmstrom, current CALSTAR CFO.
Cook has presided over the organization since 1987, when it was a single-aircraft, 16-employee service. It has developed into the largest nonprofit air ambulance service on the West Coast, caring for nearly 3,000 patients each year with a 25-year injury-free record. CALSTAR currently employs 230 and operates 11 helicopter bases and a fixed wing program, manned 24/7 to respond to medical emergencies.
Malmstrom, who joined CALSTAR last August, was the founder and president of the consulting firm Malmstrom & Associates. He has spent more than 32 years in financial, strategic planning and operational leadership, including six years as CFO of Rocky Mountain Helicopters, a company that he reorganized. His management experience spans sectors including health care, aviation, high tech and government.
Regarding his retirement, Cook saluted the company’s “great employees” and challenged them to continue CALSTAR’s primary focus on safety for every flight, and the tradition of providing the highest quality patient care possible. He asked them to continue expanding, finding ways to provide the highest level of service to more communities.
Malmstrom said that he is honored to help continue the legacy provided by Cook. “CALSTAR makes such a tremendous difference in the lives of the people we transport, and those in their circle of family and friends. It is very rewarding to work with the excellent CALSTAR team and to know how the service we provide every day has such impact.” He adds, “Having experience in the industry, I immediately recognized CALSTAR’s commitment to safe air medical transportation. Using twin-engine aircraft and dual flight nurses helps us provide a level of service that cannot be matched by others.”
