The longtime CEO of a regional ambulance service is retiring.
Vital Link announced the retirement of Chief Executive Officer Karen Ryan in a media release on Monday. Kathy Lanier, who has served as Vital Link’s chief financial officer for several years, will serve as CEO of the company upon Ryan’s retirement.
Ryan has served as Vital Link CEO since February of 2013. Before that, Ryan served as a nurse in the Army and, later, in the National Guard. She retired from the military in January of 2021, but was recalled in August 2021 to assist with the COVID response. Ryan served 34 years in the Army and is proud to have served her country and community, the release said.
“It fit my personality when I transitioned from the Army to Vital Link because it reminded me of my work with the combat medics. I was happy to bring my experience to best serve the people in our service area,” said Ryan. “One of our goals at Vital Link is to provide our medics with the best equipment and training, which equates to better service to our clients in the field. It has been a humbling and rewarding opportunity to be a part of improving pre-hospital care within our area.”
Ryan knows the Vital Link team is prepared to continue to serve the community after her retirement, saying, “Vital Link is well-positioned to continue their forward trajectory.”
Vital Link said it searched from within to find Ryan’s successor. Lanier started working for Vital Link in December 2000.
“I speak on behalf of the entire Vital Link family to say we appreciate Karen and her tireless dedication. We certainly will miss her, but I’m excited about the opportunity to transition into this new role,” said Lanier. “I am no better than my team, and the entire Vital Link community wouldn’t be what it is without everyone working together to be successful.”
“I would like to congratulate Ms. Karen Ryan on her retirement from Vital Link, Inc. I have had the opportunity to work with Ms. Ryan, and I know she has brought a wealth of knowledge to our local ambulance provider,” said Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaigh. “She has done a superb job, and I am confident that Ms. Kathy Lanier will continue to provide the same level of professionalism that Ms. Ryan has provided during her tenure. Congratulations to both ladies.”
Vital Link exists to provide high-quality emergency medical services while treating clients with dignity as they strive to provide excellent care to Independence, Izard, Stone, and surrounding counties, the organization said in the release. Vital Link EMS is committed to providing safe and efficient transport in the out-of-hospital setting, appropriate interagency medical transportation, and related community services for the citizens of our service area.
In addition, Vital Link provides CPR classes, first aid training, group presentations, and facility tours.
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