Erik Bornemeier

Erik Bornemeier is a proven leader with more than 30 years of executive management, program development, and emergency services experience across military, public-safety, air-medical, and private-sector environments. Known for building high-performing teams and scalable systems from the ground up, he combines strategic vision with hands-on operational expertise and a genuine, service-first leadership style that empowers people and delivers measurable results.

Current Role: Director of Emergency Medical Services – Utah Department of Public Safety

Overseeing statewide EMS policy, regulation, training standards, and system performance while collaborating with local, state, federal, and military partners to modernize pre-hospital care across Utah.

Key Career Highlights:

Air Methods – Account Executive, AirLife Utah Program(2021–2025)

– Built and developed Air Life Utah program launching three green-field air-medical bases in under two years providing needed critical care capabilities to underserved areas.

– Advocated successfully for “closest appropriate helicopter” dispatch protocols with state and local leadership.

Utah Air National Guard – International Health Specialist / Air Advisor (2012–Present) Senior Non Commissioned Officer.

– Designed and delivered globally recognized disaster-response and pre-hospital trauma programs for the Kingdom of Morocco (UN-approved) that trained over 600 Moroccan medical professionals.

– Established Morocco’s first nationally recognized disaster preparedness program in partnership with the Moroccan Ministries of Health and Education, AFRICOM, the U.S. Embassy, and multiple universities.

– Created Global Health Engagement opportunities under the National Guard State Partnership Program (Utah–Morocco and Utah–Nepal).

Entrepreneurial Leadership  

– CEO/President, Village Lighting / TreeKeeper (2003–2012): Built a multimillion-dollar Holiday Decor company; designed over 500 unique products, secured 6 U.S. patents, and managed international manufacturing and compliance.

Passionate about Search and Rescue serving over 20 years with Davis County Sheriff Search & Rescue.

Commander

Education & Credentials  

– Bachelor of Science, Health Promotion and Education (Emergency Medical Studies emphasis) – University of Utah

– National Registry EMT | Utah EMT-Instructor

– NAEMT PHTLS, TCCC, AHDR Instructor | AHA BLS Instructor

– HAZMAT Technician | CBRN Medical Response Technician | Confined Space Rescue Technician I Avalanche Rescue Technician I Swiftwater Rescue Technician

– ICS 100–800 | Wilderness EMT | PADI Rescue Diver/Dive Master

– 30+ years upper-level management | 20+ years international business and diplomacy | 17+ years incident command & emergency management

Leadership Philosophy:  

“Learn to lead, learn to follow, and learn to get the hell out of the way.”

“Culture eats Strategy for Breakfast”

Erik believes the fastest path to sustainable success is treating every stakeholder with respect, providing teams the tools and authority they need to excel, and celebrating wins together.

Erik is passionate about giving back. For more than two decades he has mentored youth in outdoor leadership and safety and continues to serve as an advisor to the international search-and-rescue community.