Denise Waye

Founder, President

Denise Waye has over 25 years of experience as a critical care nurse. She received her BSN degree from the University of New Mexico and has worked in a variety of critical care patient settings including ICU, CCU, ED, and as a flight nurse. Denise became a private pilot herself, a perspective that has helped her improve AirCARE1's service offerings and ultimately, the patient experience. She is also a published author in the health field.

Denise founded AirCARE1 in 2004 with a vision and passion for providing a different approach to medical air transport. Denise believed providing the highest quality medical attention, combined with compassion and a holistic approach to patient care, would transform the air ambulance experience for patients and families.

Denise enjoys spending time with her extensive family being a loyal wife, mother of 5, and grandmother of 14. She loves to garden, play tennis and spend time at the beach in her Florida hometown.

Chris Fischetti

Director of Operations, Captain

Chris has worked in the Part 135 sector of the aviation industry for over 12 years and has been with AirCARE1 for over 10 years. Prior to becoming the Director of Operations with AirCARE1, Chris served as the Director of Safety for nearly 5 years helping to establish the company's Safety Management System.

He attended the University of Illinois Institute of Aviation, earning a Bachelors Degree in Aviation Human Factors and has been a flight instructor in the aviation industry since 2007, still actively instructing to this day.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, woodworking, and hiking.

Camber Lewallen

Chief Pilot, Captain

Camber holds over 11 years of experience across Part 141 and Part 142 flight training, as well as Part 91 flight operations. As Chief Pilot, she is responsible for exercising operational control, maintaining pilot records, directing pilot currency, and overseeing crew standardization and flight crew training. Camber is type rated in the LR Jet, Learjet 45, and Learjet 60, and holds an associate's degree in Professional Pilot Technologies from Cochise College in Douglas, Arizona.

Outside of aviation, she enjoys being a wife and mom and spending time with her family at the lake, hunting, fishing, and snow skiing.

Christina Kennedy, RN

Program Director, Flight Nurse

Christina has 12 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, beginning her career in critical care ground transport while also working in the emergency department. She is a university educator with a focus on prehospital emergency medicine. Christina joined AirCARE1 in 2021 as a Flight Nurse and quickly expanded her role while remaining active on the flight line, including long-range domestic and international missions. She oversees the medical program, supervises patient care, leads quality and education initiatives, and played a key role in integrating inhaled nitric oxide into AirCARE1's transport capabilities.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an Associate Degree in Arts, and is a multi-state Registered Nurse and Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN).

Christina is a proud wife, mother of six daughters, and grandmother who enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and camping with her family.

Alex Quintana

Director of Sales and Flight Coordination

With 19 years of experience in the air ambulance industry, Alex Quintana brings deep operational knowledge and a strong commitment to service excellence to his role at AirCARE1. As Director of Sales and Flight Coordination, he oversees the sales, dispatch, and flight coordination teams—ensuring seamless communication, efficient operations, and exceptional care for every patient transport.

Alex also manages many of AirCARE1's provider contracts and leads strategic business-to-business marketing initiatives aimed at building long-term partnerships and delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective air medical transport solutions. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, integrity, and a continual focus on quality and client satisfaction.

Outside of work, Alex is a devoted husband and proud father of four, enjoying time with his family and the balance they bring to his busy professional life.

Shana Potter

Director of Marketing

Shana has over 18 years of advertising experience, with leadership roles both large agency and small business environments. She leads all marketing efforts across customer-facing platforms, including paid advertising, social media, and website optimization, while developing comprehensive strategies and targeted campaigns that drive brand consistency, engagement, and growth.

She holds a Bachelor of Communications in Marketing and Advertising from Brigham Young University. Passionate about education and innovation, Shana continually seeks opportunities to inform the industry, create approachable and engaging content, and leverage cutting-edge marketing tools to elevate the company's presence.

Shana is a wife and mother of three who enjoys spending time outdoors, supporting her children's activities, and baking cakes.

She expanded her role while remaining active on the flight line, including long-range domestic and international missions. She oversees the medical program, supervises patient care, leads quality and education initiatives, and played a key role in integrating inhaled nitric oxide into AirCARE1's transport capabilities. 

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an Associate Degree in Arts, and is a multi-state Registered Nurse and Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN).

Christina is a proud wife, mother of six daughters, and grandmother who enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and camping with her family.

Richard L. Deland

Director of Maintenance, Designated Engineering Representative

Richard is a licensed Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic with over thirteen years of aviation industry experience. He began his career in the United States Marine Corps, where he maintained UH-1 Huey and AH-1 Cobra helicopters and served as a Quality Assurance Representative.

Over the past 2 years, he has led AirCARE1’s maintenance operations with a strong emphasis on airworthiness, safety, technical training, and cost-efficiency initiatives. Under his leadership, AirCARE1 successfully completed its first in-house 12-year inspection, a significant milestone in the company’s history. A lifelong aviation professional, Richard is deeply committed to excellence in aircraft maintenance and operational reliability.

Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, camping, hunting, and spending time with his wife and three daughters.

Timothy Mayeux

Director of Safety, First Officer

Tim focuses on advancing flight safety, standardizing operational procedures, and fostering a strong safety culture across all departments at AirCARE1. His work emphasizes proactive risk management, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement within Part 135 operations. Amongst his colleagues he is recognized for his leadership, expertise, and commitment to safety and operational excellence in Part 135 jet operations.

Tim holds an ATP-AMEL along with Rotorcraft, CFI, CFII, and MEI certificates. He attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a focus on meteorology and aeronautics and completed advanced training at AeroGuard Flight Training Center in aeronautical safety, leadership, and advanced flight operations.

Outside of aviation, Tim enjoys fishing, hiking, and golf, and values time on the Gulf Coast where he grew up.

John E. (Jack) Matthews

Chief Financial Officer

Jack is a seasoned financial executive with 35 years of experience in major healthcare organizations. He has led financial teams at both the divisional and corporate levels. At AirCARE1 he has played a key role in elevating financial professionalism across the company, strengthening corporate reporting, analysis, forecasting, and internal controls.

Jack holds a B.A. in Political Science and an MBA in Finance and Accounting from the University of Notre Dame. Outside of work, he is a licensed private pilot and enjoys spending time with his nine grandchildren.

Kevin Kirkpatrick, MD

Medical Director

Dr. Kirkpatrick is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician with 29 years of experience and an extensive background in flight medicine.  He has also been an FAA designated Senior Aviation Medical Examiner and is an instrument rated pilot who currently flies missions as an officer in the New Mexico Civil Air Patrol.  Additionally, he served as a medical officer in the Air National Guard.

As the AirCARE1 Medical Director, a position he has held since March 2007, he is responsible for creating, implementing and updating the medical protocols followed by our crews and is a resource to discuss difficult medical situations.  As well, he is heavily involved with QA and education for the medical program and often flies as an onboard physician when a physician is needed on the flight.

He enjoys aviation, outdoor activities, mentoring Civil Air Patrol cadets, spending time with family and has a well-known deep love and appreciation for really good coffee.

Tiffany Vranes

General Manager

Tiffany Vranes brings a wealth of experience to AirCARE1, having served in a variety of roles across the organization, including billing and collections, communications, and administration. Her comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations has shaped her into a well-rounded and effective General Manager. Known for her forward-thinking approach, Tiffany is committed to driving growth, improving processes, and identifying innovative solutions that support the company’s continued success.

Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and staying active through fitness.