Larry Anderson retired on October 31^st as CEO of LifeCare Ambulance Service of Battle Creek, Michigan, a position he held since 1990. Larry was a co-founder of LifeCare in 1983 while COO at Leila Hospital and Health Systems. He earned a Master’s Degree in Hospital and Health Administration from The University of Iowa and developed his interest and passion for EMS as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Services Corp.  Larry also worked for 23 years with the Sisters of Mercy Health System (now Trinity Health) as VP for Operations and CEO for hospitals in Ann Arbor and Battle Creek.

Under Larry’s leadership, LifeCare Ambulance Service expanded to cover over 1100 square miles in portions of seven counties in Southwest Michigan. A champion for safe driving, Larry implemented a computer-monitored safe driving program at LifeCare in 1987. Larry developed a Best Practice for safe driving, based upon LifeCare’s driving policies, that was recently adopted by the American Ambulance Association.

Along with six other ambulance service CEOs, Larry helped form Mobile Health Resources in 1995.  This Michigan company works with managed care organizations and services their subscribers with a statewide ambulance network. Larry recently completed his term as Chair of the MHR Board of Directors.

In 1997, Larry was approached by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) to develop an accreditation seminar which has been a great success through 26 presentations. LifeCare Ambulance Service became accredited by CAAS in 1998. It also received the 1999 Greater Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce and Nonprofit Alliance’s first Nonprofit Award for Excellence.

Ron Slagell, LifeCare’s COO since 1990, has been named to replace Larry as CEO. Ron began employment with LifeCare in 1984 and has worked as a paramedic, dispatcher and supervisor during that time. He is a graduate of Goshen College and has completed the AAA’s accelerated management program. His vast experience in operations, his leadership and involvement at the state level with the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services as a board member and committee chair, and his leadership and participation in community organizations have prepared Ron to assume his CEO responsibilities.

Commenting on Ron’s appointment, Robert DeVries, LifeCare’s board chair, said “Ron Slagell’s proven track record in the operations at LifeCare matches that of any external candidates we might have considered. He is bright, talented, and is dedicated to his chosen field of emergency medical services and to LifeCare. He will carry on LifeCare’s vision, high quality service, and collaborative relationships within the many communities served by LifeCare.”

LifeCare Ambulance Service is a regional, ALS, not-for-profit ambulance service. A twelve-member diverse board of directors from across the service area provides strategic direction and oversight for the agency.