At the start of his career at the Indiana Chapter, he launched a bicycle business that grew to five separate stores before his retirement in 2005. Committed to his community and college, Nick has dedicated many hours of service. Among other roles, he is currently chairman of the Indiana Senior Olympic Games Steering Committee, president of the building corporation for Carmel’s new central park and community center, and a member of IU’s President’s Circle.

Mr. Kestner holds a Bachelor’s degree in science and Master’s in business.

James D. Thompson, M.D.
Council Meritorious Service Award

Dr. Thompson practiced emergency medicine with Emergency Service Physicians (now Ergentus) in Denver for 35 years. As medical director from 1994 to 2011, he hired most of the private two-hospital group’s partners and was active on the boards and committees of both hospitals and their parent system, Exempla Healthcare. Now semi-retired, he serves as an advisor to the Ergentus Executive Committee and delivers urgent care in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.

Throughout his career, Dr. Thompson has been an active and dedicated member of ACEP with a special emphasis on service to the Council. The members of Colorado ACEP elected him as an alternate Councillor in 1997 and selected him to represent them as councillor or alternate councillor each year for more than a decade. He served on the chapter’s Board of Directors and held its highest offices, including president.

At the national level, he has served on multiple ACEP and Council committees. He was Chair of the Finance Committee for three years and is currently a member of the Reimbursement Committee.

Dr. Thompson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University and received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina, where he graduated with honors.