Joe Garcia MBE initially started at GNAAS at the end of January last year as interim CEO, before being formally appointed in the role in October 2025.

Mr Garcia is a recognised leader in UK emergency healthcare, with a career spanning over 35 years across the NHS Ambulance Service, in addition to the military, and the charitable healthcare sector.

Awarded an MBE in 2021 for Services to Emergency Response, particularly in recognition of his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Garcia has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation, transformation, and frontline impact.

Mr Garcia has been building on the advances undertaken by the previous CEO, demonstrating incredible commitment and dedication to the charity over the past year.

Speaking about his appointment, Mr Garcia said: “I was truly honoured and excited to join GNAAS as their new CEO. This organisation has long been a lifeline to those in need across the North, and I am deeply committed to preserving the exceptional care it provides to patients and their families.”

Since joining, Mr Garcia has prioritised strengthening partnerships with NHS ambulance services, maintaining focus on clinical governance, and ensuring long-term financial and aviation sustainability.

The current GNAAS fleet of two Dauphin N3 and N3+ helicopters  reaching the end of its economically viable life with rising maintenance costs, major parts shortages, and extended downtime.

For this reason, in November 2025, GNAAS revealed plans to invest in three state-of-the-art H145 D2 helicopters to ensure that when one is grounded for maintenance or training, there will always be two helicopters with the same capabilities ready to respond.

To support this vital investment, GNAAS launched Operation SOS: Secure Our Service, an appeal to raise the £2.5m needed to secure the deposit for the third aircraft.

The charity has raised more than £500,000 within the first three months of the appeal and hope to reach their target later this year.

Mr Garcia said: “Reaching £500,000 in the first three months of Operation SOS is an incredible achievement and a powerful demonstration of the trust and generosity shown by our supporters.

“At GNAAS our ambition is to secure a truly sustainable, world-leading air ambulance service for the North – one that is financially resilient, clinically outstanding and ready for the challenges of the next decade. Ultimately, I want everyone in our region to know that, if the worst happens, the very best care will come to them.

“Whether through supporting Operation SOS, volunteering or simply learning more about what we do, everyone can play a part in strengthening our service – a service that thousands of people will rely on.”

To find out more about Operation SOS: Secure Our Service and support the appeal, visit gna.as/secure_our_service