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Josh Howell, MBA, MHA, CHFP, FACHE

President and Chief Executive Officer
Life Link III

Josh Howell serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Life Link III, an independent 501(c)(3) organization based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Life Link III is recognized as the largest provider of air medical transportation services in the Upper Midwest and stands as the largest independent, not-for-profit air medical consortium in the United States. Established in 1985, Life Link III has expanded its membership to include nine member-owner health system organizations, collectively representing over 80 individual hospitals. The member-owners are Allina Health, CentraCare Health, Children’s Minnesota, Essentia Health, University of Minnesota/Fairview Health, Regions Hospital/HealthPartners, Hennepin Healthcare, Sanford Health/Marshfield Clinic Health System, and Aspirus Health/St. Luke’s.
Since joining Life Link III in late 2015, the organization’s operational footprint has nearly tripled, now comprising 12 locations, a fleet of almost 20 aircraft, and a workforce exceeding 300 specialized professionals. Life Link III has received significant industry accolades, including AAMS’ Air Medical Program of the Year and the Vision Zero Safety Award. Most recently in 2025, the organization was honored with the Beacon Award for Excellence Gold by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), becoming the first critical care air medical transport program nationally to achieve this recognition at any level. Additionally, Life Link III has been frequently recognized by the Minneapolis Star Tribune as one of Minnesota’s Top Workplaces.
Josh, a former flight paramedic, holds graduate degrees in Health Care Administration from Oklahoma State University and Business Administration from Northeastern State University. He is a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP), a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), and Six Sigma certified. Josh serves on the boards of the Air Medical Operators Association, Make-A-Wish Minnesota, Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, Lakes Region Emergency Medical Services, and is a Mentorship Committee member for the Minnesota ACHE Chapter.
Josh is active in his community and lives with his wife, Tara, and their three children in Elk River, Minnesota.

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