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Photo caption: Bob Walbert, Director of Systems Status Management; Kim Blichar, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Lehigh Valley natives Bob Walbert and Kim Blichar to focus on the communications center and marketing and public relations efforts to help grow the nonprofit organization.
Allentown, Pa., July 24, 2019 – Cetronia Ambulance Corps is pleased to announce its recent hires of Bob Walbert as Director of Systems Status Management and Kim Blichar as Director of Marketing and Public Relations.
Walbert is a veteran of the industry and a returning face to Cetronia Ambulance Corps having served for 31 years before leaving for a couple of years. He began serving as a volunteer for Cetronia in 1984 as an Emergency Medical Technician. In 1987 he became a full-time EMT on the Basic Life Support crew, ultimately leading to becoming the first full-time Communications Center Supervisor from 1999-2015. Walbert also served on the Macungie Ambulance Corps as a First Responder from 1980-82, and as an EMT from 1982-96, while also holding the role of Chief Officer from 1983-96.
Walbert left Cetronia in 2015 to become the Emergency Communications Manager at St. Luke’s University Health Network. While there, he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the communications center. He was also in charge of Star Transport and the Quakertown operations of St. Luke’s Emergency Transport Service.
“I’m pleased to have Bob rejoin our team. His skillset is precisely what we need to help us in reaching the next level at Cetronia,” said Larry Wiersch, CEO, Cetronia Ambulance Corps.
In his new role at CAC, Walbert will be responsible for directing the day-to-day operations of the communications center ensuring response time and on-time performance remains optimal. He will design and implement deployment plans, schedules, policies, and procedures. He will also be charged with analyzing data along with directing and monitoring dispatch operations within the High Performance EMS System. When asked how it feels to be back in the Cetronia family, Walbert said, “It feels like I’m home.” He is a resident of Alburtis, where he resides with his wife and children. He also serves as the President of the EMS Angels, Allentown Chapter 24, which is comprised of EMTs, Paramedics, and First Responders.
Blichar most recently served 18 years with Discover Lehigh Valley where she was Executive Vice President for the last eight years. Her main function was overseeing the marketing department and majority of the sales team. She played an integral role in rebranding the organization and winning numerous awards during her time there.
In her new role, Blichar will be responsible for developing and implementing all of the marketing and public relations strategies, policies, and procedures. This will include branding initiatives, website development, email and direct mail campaigns, fundraisers, among other responsibilities. She will also work with the CEO to increase market share and establish other markets where Cetronia Ambulance Corps services could be utilized. She will actively engage with the community and serve as an organization representative on local boards and committees. “Kim is a welcome and much needed addition to our team. Her enthusiasm, knowledge, and area expertise will help tremendously with our regional growth,” said Wiersch.
“From the moment I spoke with the team at Cetronia Ambulance Corps I could feel their passion and dedication to this community. Coming from a nonprofit organization, I definitely felt it was the right environment for me. In addition to helping this wonderful organization grow, I am also still able to help the entire region grow as well,” said Blichar.
Kim earned an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Studies from the Culinary Institute of America. She is actively involved with the Downtown Allentown Business Alliance and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation marketing committees. Kim is lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley residing in Upper Macungie Township with her husband.
About Cetronia Ambulance Corps:
Cetronia Ambulance Corps is a nonprofit 501c3 organization. Since 1955 it has proudly served Lynn, South Whitehall, Upper Macungie, Weisenberg and Whitehall townships, as well as portions of Lowhill, Salisbury, Greenwich and Albany Townships, and the Borough of Coplay in Eastern Pennsylvania. Our mission is to be the leader in emergency medical services, transportation and community health resources.
Cetronia Ambulance Corps is one of the largest providers of ambulance services in Eastern Pennsylvania; employing 135 full- and part-time career associates, 20 active volunteers and boasting a total fleet of 33 vehicles, including 19 ambulances, 20 para-transit vehicles, a supervisor’s vehicle, and a special services unit. As the regional leader in High Performance EMS, Cetronia Ambulance Corps fields over 60,000 calls annually, covering an emergency service area that spans across 130 square miles, touching more than 226,000 people, and a non-emergency coverage area that encompasses five counties. Cetronia Ambulance Corps is proud to support the residents of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Pocono Mountains and remains dedicated to community involvement, outreach and education in the communities it serves.
Information and images provided to TVL by:
www.cetronia.org
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