Leander Thormann assumes the role of team management at DRK Niederrhein e.V.
Leander Thormann, an experienced leader with a strong academic background in social and educational management, has taken over as the team leader for training and further education at the DRK Kreisverband Niederrhein e.V. (German Red Cross district association). Thormann's appointment, effective July 1, 2025, marks a significant shift in the strategic development of training programs for both staff and patients.
Thormann holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Management and a Master of Arts in School Management and Quality Development. Professionally, he served as managing director and head of research and teaching at the Center for Applied Emergency Sciences (ZNA) in Essen. His approach emphasizes modern, scientifically founded educational methods and innovative practices in practical instruction and personnel development.
In his new role, Thormann is responsible for the further training of 150 full-time and volunteer employees in the rescue service and ambulance transport of the district association. He will also coordinate the training of the current 22 emergency medical technician trainees.
Britta Knieper, who previously held the position for over two decades, has stepped down and will now teach and lead classes at the NOBIZ (Emergency Training Center Eifel Ruhr), training future emergency medical technicians. Knieper expressed satisfaction about starting her new role, knowing that her previous work is in competent hands.
Knieper began her career with the DRK district association in 1997 and took on the responsibility of training as a rescue assistant in 2000. Her expertise significantly shaped the quality of rescue service training within the association. During her tenure, she made a lasting impact, ensuring high standards of training for emergency responders.
Andreas Bußmann, chairman of the district association, expressed gratitude towards Knieper for her extraordinary work and welcomed Thormann as a visionary expert who will drive the further development of training structures with fresh impulses. Ludger Ferdenhert, head of the emergency preparedness department, praised Thormann for his modern educational work with a scientific foundation and his ability to ensure the high quality standard of further training while exploring new paths in practical guidance and personnel development.
Thormann expressed high motivation to take on the responsible task of further developing the training and further education at the district association for the benefit of employees and ultimately the patients. The German Red Cross district association looks forward to Thormann's leadership and the innovative training methods he brings to the table.
- Leander Thormann, with a strong academic background in social and educational management, aims to implement modern, scientifically founded educational methods in the workplace-wellness and health-and-and-wellness sector, focusing on skills-training and career-development.
- Thormann's new role includes coordinating the learning and advancement of 150 full-time and volunteer employees, as well as 22 emergency medical technician trainees, through various education-and-self-development programs.
- Mental health is an essential aspect of Thormann's educational approach, and he plans to integrate mental health awareness and wellness into the district association's training programs to foster a healthier workplace culture.
- As a visionary expert, Thormann is expected to drive the strategic development of training programs, bringing innovative practices in practical instruction and personnel growth to the German Red Cross district association.
