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| New operating zone vice presidents will aid Rural/Metro Corporation |
Rural/Metro is an excellent and experienced operating company with a long track record as an industry leader. The company has appointed industry leaders as zone vice presidents.
Rural/Metro Corporation, a leading provider of ambulance and private fire protection services, announced that it has implemented a new regional zone structure in order to enhance its strategic and organic growth objectives. The company's four operating zones organized geographically will replace its former operating regions.
Michael DiMino, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are very pleased to implement a national operating structure that supports our strategic and organic growth model and optimizes our opportunities for national and regional expansion. We have appointed long-time industry operating leaders to manage day-to-day operations, standardize best practices across the country, and enhance the long-term value of our business for investors, customers and employees."
"Rural/Metro is an excellent and experienced operating company with a long track record as an industry leader. Our mission is to take the organization to the next level and further differentiate ourselves through superior sales, service, technology and infrastructure systems," Mr. DiMino added.
The company's operating zones are organized geographically as follows:
- East Zone - Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.
- West Zone - Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
- South Zone - Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
- Southwest Zone - Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
Rural/Metro's new operating zones and new zonal executives would help in upgrading the overall performance of company
The following executives have been appointed operating zone vice presidents. Bryan Gibson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will serve as acting vice president of the Southwest Zone.
- Steve Blackburn, East Zone Vice President - Mr. Blackburn most recently served as Regional Division General Manager for the company's Mid-Atlantic region. Prior to that position, he was Division General Manager for the Company's Southern Ohio and Kentucky operations. From 2005 to 2007, Mr. Blackburn also served as Vice President and National Technical Sales Manager for Strategix, LLC, an emergency medical and disaster equipment and supply manufacturer and distributor. Previously, Mr. Blackburn was Division General Manager for Rural/Metro's Central Ohio division. He holds a Master's of Business Administration from Franklin University and a Bachelor's Degree in Health Education from Ohio State University.
- Phil Forgione, West Zone Vice President - Mr. Forgione has worked in the EMS industry for 19 years, and since 2005 has served as Regional Division General Manager for the company's West region and San Diego Medical Services Enterprise CEO. Prior to that position, he was General Manager for the Company's San Diego operations and COO of San Diego Medical Services Enterprise. Mr. Forgione has also served as National Director of Public Affairs, Director of Public Affairs for Eastern U.S. operations and Marketing Manager for the company's Central New York operations. He holds a Master's of Business Administration from Arizona State University and a Bachelor's Degree in business and journalism from Syracuse University in New York.
- John Karolzak, South Zone Vice President - Mr. Karolzak is a 26-year veteran of the emergency services industry, serving since 2009 as Regional Chief Operating Officer for the company's South and Southwest operating regions. Prior to that position, he was Division General Manager for the company's Indiana, Kentucky and Southern Ohio operations. Mr. Karolzak began his career with Rural/Metro in 1984 as a firefighter in Tucson, AZ. He holds a Master's of Business Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
