Following an extensive search by its volunteer board of directors, Canada-based aeromedical transport provider STARS has appointed Katherine Emberly as president and CEO, effective 15 September, 2023.

“Effectively leading an organisation like STARS takes strong business acumen and experience building and leading highly skilled, geographically distributed teams in a 24×7, mission-critical and high-risk environment,” says board of directors co-chair Helen Kasdorf.

“It is clear that Katherine is deeply drawn to the purpose and mission of STARS,“ adds board co-chair Curtis Stange. “We are confident that she is the best leader for the future.”

“When the opportunity to lead STARS arose, it was a very easy decision to make. The work everyone at the organisation does each day saves lives, and there is no greater place to bring my energy,” says Emberly. “I am a purpose and values-driven leader and as I considered what I wanted to do next, it was clear that I wanted the opportunity to lead at a purpose-driven organisation and to give back to my community that has given me so much.”

“The past 12 years as president and CEO at STARS have been more than a job. They have seen some of the most powerful and impactful moments in my career,” says outgoing president and CEO Andrea Robertson. “I am thrilled to see Katherine join the organisation, and I know she will carry on STARS' incredible legacy of delivering the highest level of care to patients in our communities.”