FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Emily Nichols
Manager, Marketing & Communications
enichols@ambulance.org

American Ambulance Association Announces 2026 Class of EMSNext 

Washington, D.C. – The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to recognize its fourth annual class of EMSNext honorees. EMSNext is a groundbreaking initiative that spotlights emerging emergency medical services (EMS) leaders and offers them leadership development, structured mentorship, and collaborative networking opportunities throughout the year. These 26 outstanding individuals from 14 states join a growing network of more than 70 EMSNext program alumni poised to assume prominent leadership roles in the profession.

John P. Aldinger | EMT Supervisor, Bell Ambulance, Inc | Wisconsin

Samuel Barry | Operations Supervisor, Puckett EMS | Alabama

Marcus J. Bond | Clinical Quality & Education Manager, Medic Ambulance Service | California

Amanda Corrao | Training Center Program Manager, Gold Cross Ambulance Service | Wisconsin

Courtney De Weese | Paramedic – Supervisor, Life EMS Ambulance | Michigan

Kaylee Frank | Paramedic Field Supervisor, ATEC Ambulance | Illinois

Brivan Garcia | Operations Coordinator & Paramedic, Acadian Ambulance | Louisiana

Nick Heasley | Clinical Services Manager, Mecklenburg EMS Agency | North Carolina

Madeline Herring | Chief Project Manager, Medex Medical Transport | North Carolina

Justin James Hill | Regional Director of Fleet & Logistics, Medic Ambulance Service | California

Riley Howard | Community & Special Events Coordinator, Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) | Oklahoma

Alecia Kaye Johnson | Communications Manager, First Call Ambulance | Tennessee

Megan Ladewig | RCM Billing Specialist, ATEC Ambulance | Illinois

Grant Landbo | EMS Chief, City of Jackson, MN | Minnesota

Blake Miller | Health, Safety, & Environmental Specialist, Acadian Ambulance Service | Louisiana

Peter Nguyen | Falck Health Institute Faculty, Falck Health Institute | California

Alexia Rogers | Paramedic Field Supervisor, Orange Cross Ambulance, Inc. | Wisconsin

Anthony Joseph Romito | Field Supervisor, Cataldo Ambulance Service | Massachusetts

Lucas Ryan | Director of Operations, Life EMS Ambulance | Michigan

Ryan Sauve | Program Director, Guardian Flight Alaska/ Global Medical Response | Alaska

Bryson Schroeder | Chief of Staff, VMSC EMS | Pennsylvania

Andrew Smith | Operations Supervisor, Copperstate Ambulance | Arizona

Jordan Teitsma | Deputy Director, Life EMS Ambulance | Michigan

Katie Tooley | Paramedic, Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) | Oklahoma

Toni L. Weber | Revenue Cycle Supervisor, Bell Ambulance, Inc | Wisconsin

Derek K. Weinkauf | Assistant Field Operations Supervisor, Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) | Oklahoma

“It’s a privilege to welcome the 2026 class of EMSNext,” said AAA President Jamie Pafford-Gresham. “These emerging leaders represent the very best of our profession — driven by service, committed to excellence, and ready to shape the future of mobile healthcare in meaningful ways.”

2026 EMSNext honorees receive complimentary registration to the American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show in Las Vegas, NV April 20–22. They will be recognized at the conference’s opening keynote address on Monday, April 20, 2026, in addition to participating in a collaborative workshop. 

“The EMSNext program is about investing in people,” Pafford-Gresham added. “By supporting leadership development and encouraging innovative thinking, we’re helping strengthen EMS today while preparing it to meet the needs of our communities for years to come.”

About the American Ambulance Association

The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering its members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, AAA has proudly represented those who care for people first.