Colorado State Archives

Executive Orders from the Administration of Governor Bill Owens 1999-2005

DENVER - Governor Bill Owens has appointed three new members to the State Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Advisory Council, which advises the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Section on all matters related to emergency medical and trauma service programs.

"All three appointees bring with them various skills and areas of expertise that will immeasurably benefit this council," said Owens. "I am confident that Richard Kinser, Nancy Carrington and Denis Bensard will provide strong leadership to the council."

Richard Kinser of Paonia has achieved multiple accreditations in the medical field. He is a Colorado certified basic emergency medical technician with intravenous skills; an American Red Cross instructor trainer; and a Colorado basic emergency medical technician lead instructor. He has received several awards in emergency medicine, including the 2002 Emergency Medical Services Association of Colorado basic emergency medical technician of the year award. He currently serves as a volunteer with the North Fork Ambulance service and the Paonia Volunteer Fire Department.

Nancy Carrington of Greeley has accumulated more than 10 years of trauma, emergency department and emergency medical services experience. She currently sits as the regional director of trauma services for the North Colorado Medical Center/Banner Health in Greeley and has previously served as interim director of behavioral health; director of cardiovascular and medical/surgical operations; and as the director of critical care, telemetry, diagnostic cardiology, ambulatory care. She has demonstrated her skills as a proven leader with 16 years of management experience.

Dr. Denis Bensard of Greenwood Village, who is a board-certified pediatric surgeon, is the medical director of the Trauma Program at Children's Hospital in Denver. Following graduation from the University of Colorado School of Medicine with honors, he served as the chief resident in general surgery for the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and the chief resident in pediatric surgery for The Children's Hospital at Ohio State University. He has been appointed to numerous academic positions, most recently serving as the associate professor of surgery for the Division of Pediatric Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Dr. Bensard also has received several prestigious awards in the medical field including Top Doctor in Denver awards in 1998, 2000 and 2003, as well as Best Doctor in America in 2004.

The council's duties include developing curricula for training emergency medical personnel; establishing requirements for ambulance vehicles and services; and determining the eligibility of facilities to receive trauma center designation. There are 32 members who serve on the council, with the governor appointing 25. The council appointments do not require Colorado Senate confirmation. Members serve three-year terms.

Archives Homepage |  State Homepage | Department Homepage