Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Patrick W. Lee and Gary S. Pearson to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Regulatory Board.

Lee, of Two Harbors, is the executive director of the Arrowhead EMS Association in Duluth. Previously, he was the CEO and Director of Lake County Ambulance, and has 20 years of experience as a professional manager in the EMS field. He is a member of the Northeastern Minnesota Regional Advisory Committee, Northeast Regional Hospital Preparedness Group Executive Board, Region 2 Homeland Security Emergency Management Board, and Minnesota Ambulance Strike Team, and has served on numerous EMS-related boards in the past, including the Arrowhead EMS Board of Directors. Lee holds an associate of arts degree from the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Lee replaces Paul Stelter as a non-metro EMS Program representative on the EMS Regulatory Board to complete a four-year term that expires on January 4, 2010.

Pearson, of Wadena, is the director of outstate ambulance operations and support services for North Memorial Ambulance Service, where he has administrative responsibility for eight ambulance regions and 17 ambulance bases. He is also an adjunct professor in the master of arts in management program at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth. Pearson has more than 35 years of experience in the EMS and law enforcement fields. He is a member of the Minnesota State Trauma Advisory Council, Minnesota Ambulance Association Board, and State Stroke Committee, and has served on numerous EMS-related boards in the past. Pearson holds a master of arts degree in business management from the College of St. Scholastica, a mini MBA in health care management from the College of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, and a bachelor of science degree from Bemidji State University. Pearson replaces Laurie Hill as an ambulance service director on the EMS Regulatory Board to complete a four-year term that expires on January 4, 2010.

The Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board makes recommendations on improving access, delivery and effectiveness of the state’s EMS delivery system and establishes procedures for investigating, hearing and resolving complaints against EMS providers. The board consists of 19 members, including 15 appointed by the Governor. Members may not serve more than one consecutive term on the board.