When Mike Burrill Jr. was asked to lead Mercy Flights as interim chief executive officer in February of 2020, it was no surprise. As is common for growing organizations, Mercy Flights was navigating a leadership transition and who better to step up than long-time Mercy Flights champion Mike Burrill Jr. At a recent board meeting, Burrill Jr. was presented with a personalized flight jacket in appreciation for his dedication to Mercy Flights, Oregon’s only non-profit air and ground ambulance. Burrill Jr’s father, Mike Burrill Sr – who also served as a passionate Mercy Flights leader and volunteer — was in attendance to celebrate the occasion. At the same meeting, the Mercy Flights board recognized three generations of Burrills (including grandfather Eugene) for their family legacy of support for Mercy Flights. Both father and son were presented with a plaque and the Mercy Flights’ boardroom was renamed as the Burrill Boardroom.
Prior to accepting the interim CEO role, Burrill Jr. had served on the Mercy Flights board of directors for 12 years, the past six years as chairman. Also a pilot and president of Burrill Resources, a Medford-based commercial real estate brokerage firm, he has brought a wealth of expertise and advocacy to Mercy Flights.
“When we needed an interim CEO, Mike was the obvious choice,” said Mercy Flights board member and attorney Alan Harper. “He has the character, skill set and knowledge of Mercy Flights that allowed us to not miss a beat during this leadership transition.”
According to Mercy Flights’ current board chair and commercial real estate developer Mark DiRienzo, Burrill Jr. has been instrumental in Mercy Flights’ success and growth.
“Mike Jr’s commitment to Mercy Flights became apparent to me while working beside him as his Vice Chair,” said DiRienzo. “His laser focus on big picture items like upgrading the ambulance fleet and modernizing the aircraft fleet resulted in cost effective choices that improved patient access to quality healthcare in our region. Leadership comes with lots of styles, and Mike leads with integrity and confidence. He does not need the spotlight but has the confidence to make a hard call or take action when needed, even as an interim CEO.”
When Burrill Jr. accepted the interim role as CEO in February, he resigned from the board to avoid any possibility of conflict of interest. Shortly after Mercy Flights’ new CEO, Sheila Clough, took over leadership in July, Burrill was appointed as a Board Emeritus member.
“This allows Mike Jr to regularly attend Board meetings and provide his guidance through our upcoming strategic planning process. We’re excited to know he is interested in future board terms and we hope to re-elect him as an active member again in September 2021,” said DiRienzo.
Learn more more about the Burrill family’s support of Mercy Flights.
