Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has announced that Tony Nicholson has been appointed to the role of Chairman, stepping up to his new post tomorrow (1st January).
Mr Nicholson has been a trustee of the charity since 2010 and has a distinguished background in both the public and private sectors. Originally an operational helicopter pilot himself, he rose to senior rank in the Royal Air Force and latterly was responsible for planning and delivering major new aircraft programmes. In recent years he has been an independent adviser and analyst for a range of companies and also on government projects.
Since the start of flying operations just six years ago, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has been steadily expanding its service to the community with steps that have already included an upgraded helicopter, longer operating hours and the introduction of regular doctor-led crewing. Further valuable and challenging developments are in the pipeline, likely to include another helicopter upgrade to enable night time emergency tasks.
Vice-Chairman Noel Dobbs commented:
“Tony has already been deeply involved in this area, heading the internal Operations Group, and the Board decided that he was the right person to provide important continuity in leading the Charity into this next phase.
“Very simply, HIOWAA exists to save lives and help people, and it’s a privilege to contribute to that. We couldn’t do it without the support we get from across our communities, the aircrews themselves, and our own small team and the volunteers who stand behind them. In following Barry Lipscomb as Chairman, I also know how much we owe him for helping set us on such firm foundations. There are exciting new opportunities ahead, and I look forward to working on them with our partners in South Central Ambulance Service and NHS Foundation Trust and Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance.”
