MERCY FLIGHT CENTRAL NAMES NEW PRESIDENT/CEO

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (November 5, 2025)— Lauren Kolb has been named the new President/CEO of Mercy Flight Central (MFC). An experienced business leader, Lauren, will officially assume the role on December 1, 2025, succeeding Jeff Bartkoski, who is retiring after leading this organization since 2014.

"It has been my absolute honor and pleasure to serve our community through the lifesaving mission of Mercy Flight Central," Bartkoski stated. "I am excited for MFC’s future as it continues to grow and reach new heights under Lauren’s leadership."

The Mercy Flight Central Board of Directors extended its gratitude to the outgoing leader while expressing enthusiasm for the organization's future.

"On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we deeply thank Jeff for his unwavering dedication, strategic direction, and inspiring leadership," said Marisa Geitner, Chair of the Board of Directors for Mercy Flight Central.

"We are thrilled to welcome Lauren Kolb to the MFC team as our next President and CEO. Lauren has proven to be a well-respected and transformative leader throughout her career. We believe she will bring a dynamic and energetic approach to strengthening and advancing the critical mission of Mercy Flight Central for years to come."

Candidate Quote: "I am deeply honored to join Mercy Flight Central. This organization is defined by the skill, dedication, and unwavering commitment of its teams, who fulfill a lifesaving mission every day across our region. I look forward to building upon the incredible foundation of this organization and working closely with the Board, staff, and partners to ensure MFC remains a premier provider of critical care transport for our communities."

Candidate Bio follows:

Lauren Kolb President & Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Flight Central

Lauren Kolb is a seasoned executive with a distinguished record of driving growth, operational excellence, and organizational transformation across both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. As the

incoming President and CEO of Mercy Flight Central, Lauren brings a unique blend of strategic leadership, financial acumen, and a deep commitment to serving communities in the Finger Lakes Region.

Lauren’s career highlights include her most recent role as Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor at Tompkins Financial Advisors, where she managed a $125M+ portfolio, led innovative client experience programs, and spearheaded new business development initiatives. She is recognized for her ability to implement scalable solutions, streamline processes, and deliver results. Her leadership was instrumental in launching a SUNY-approved internship program and designing a premier retirement plan solution that increased revenue and reduced company and client liability.

Previously, Lauren held several senior leadership roles at Canandaigua National Corporation and Genesee Valley Trust Company, generating over $100 million in new business during unprecedented economic climates and conditions.

Lauren’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional roles. She has served on numerous executive and non-executive boards, including as Vice Chair of Major Gifts for Mercy Flight Central, President of the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce, and leadership positions with the United Way, Pittsford Volunteer Ambulance, and several regional nonprofits. Her dedication has been recognized with honors such as the 2023 Alumna of the Year at Roberts Wesleyan University, the ATHENA Award for women in leadership, and the Rochester Business Journal’s Financial Leadership Award.

Lauren holds a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management, both with high honors from Roberts Wesleyan University. She is also a Certified Wealth Strategist® and has completed advanced training in project management, emotional intelligence, and crucial conversations.

Known for her passion for people, innovative problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to the communities she serves, Lauren is poised to lead Mercy Flight Central into its next chapter— ensuring that expert, compassionate air medical transport remains accessible and sustainable for

all. Lauren lives in Victor, NY with her beloved husband, Brian, and their faithful Labrador, Kolby Kolb.

About Mercy Flight Central

Mercy Flight Central was founded as a non-profit in 1992 to provide air medical services to New York State residents and beyond. Since its inception, the organization has served more than 18,000 patients and grown to approximately 70 employees. MFC's three base locations serve the regions of the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and Mohawk Valley, including service to the Southern Adirondack Region. The organization began operations as an advanced life support air ambulance service and has since expanded to become New York's premier critical care air medical service with three helicopters staffed 24/7/365. The aircraft utilized in transport includes helicopters that can travel within a 150-mile radius of Mercy Flight Central's base locations.

Mercy Flight Central provides the highest level of pre-hospital critical care to patients. Each helicopter is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment that includes advanced airway management, cardiac monitoring, and ultrasonography devices. Our Flight Nurse and Flight Paramedic teams are highly trained and experienced in critical care. Air medical teams care for critically ill and injured patients requiring advanced treatment and rapid air medical transport to specialized medical centers across the northeast. Together, these elements allow Mercy Flight Central to deliver a high level of critical care to the scene of an accident or a patient's bedside.