Emergency Medical Services Chief Kristen Roberts has been learning all about her new job at Boothbay Region Ambulance Service. For Roberts, 42, of Damariscotta, the first few weeks have been all about becoming accustomed to the nearly three dozen employees, new ambulances and equipment. "A lot of listening and learning about the crew and the service," she said. "My focus now is on compliance, management and leading." 

BRAS directors hired a consultant who led the search for a new director. Don Gerrish, a municipal consultant at Eaton Peabody, received 10 applications, which he narrowed down for the directors.

Steve Lewis is a BRAS director. He praised Roberts for her experience as a Central Lincoln County Ambulance Service supervisor and her overall focus. "When we interviewed her, she was very structured which impressed the board," he said. 

Roberts is a native of Greenwood Lake, New York. Her family moved to South Bristol in 1988. She graduated from the University of Maine at Machias with a degree in marine biology. She worked in the field following graduation including a stint at Bigelow Laboratories and at Department of Marine Resources where she conducted interviews.

Later, Roberts underwent a career change and became a medical coder. The new job allowed her to stay home and take care of her children. But another career change occurred after a discussion with her husband, John Roberts, who was a volunteer firefighter. She took a paramedics course at his urging. Kristen Roberts enjoyed the course so much, she began working at Central Lincoln County Ambulance Service on a per diem basis.

This eventually led to her working for CLC full-time. She rose in the ranks, becoming responsible for the service's training and education. Later, Roberts became a shift leader. "I didn't expect it to become a career when I took the classes, but I loved it so much," she said. Roberts described her career in Emergency Medical Services as challenging and she wanted to further test her abilities as a chief. "I took the (chief) job because I wanted to grow as a leader. This is challenging work, and I enjoy it."

Entering her second month, Roberts is now focusing more on management. Her goals  are "serving the service and serving the community. This is such an incredible honor serving this community. I look forward to working with everybody."