2024 EMSNext Nominations Now Open!

Written by Amanda Riordan on . Posted in 40 Under 40, AAA HQ, Annual Conference & Tradeshow, Awards.

EMSNext Nominations Due January 1, 2024!

Know a wonderful rising leader you’d like to recognize as the future of EMS? Nominations are open for EMSNext (formerly Mobile Healthcare 40 Under 40)!

Selection Process & Criteria

2023 EMSNext Honorees

Honorees will be selected based ONLY on the information provided in the nomination form below. Nominees should have contributed to their organization, state ambulance association, AAA, other professional associations, and/or the EMS profession in an extraordinary way beyond faithful completion of job duties. Please be sure to include detail about the nominee’s impact to date and future promise.

Please note that nominees must be under 40 in the year of nomination OR from a diverse background. No specific job role or title is required for consideration.

EMSNext Program Description

EMSNext is a recognition and development program of the American Ambulance Association. The goal of this program is to recognize up-and-coming leaders within EMS and support them in building their networks and leadership skills and encouraging them to get involved in the next level of EMS leadership. This program is a way for organizations to fully engage their rising leaders through company-sponsored travel and participation in additional learning and networking events throughout the year. Program participation includes:

    • Complimentary conference registration for the 2024 AAA Annual Conference & Tradeshow (April 22-24 in Nashville, Tennessee)
    • Recognition of the EMSNext recipients during the Conference
    • Mentor pairing and additional professional development opportunities
    • Encouraged to attend AAA Board Meetings throughout the year
    • Encouraged to attend another AAA event with our leaders in 2024

AAA’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Updated in August 2022

Caring for People—Together.
The American Ambulance Association board and its members are committed to providing high-quality healthcare to every patient regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and/or on the basis of differing ability. We dedicate time, thought, and resources to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and mutual respect within the Emergency Medical Services workforce and leadership. Together, we save and sustain the lives of community members.

2024 EMSNext Nominations

  • Nominator Contact Details

    Information about the person SUBMITTING the nomination.

  • Nominee Details

    Information about the person BEING NOMINATED for EMSNext
  • The nominee must be 40 or younger on December 31 of the year of nomination OR from a diverse background
    MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Nominee Name
  • Nominee Email
  • Nominee address
  • Nominee Job Title
  • Nominee Company Name
  • Nominee Headshot
    Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, Max. file size: 88 MB.
  • Optional, but strongly encouraged
    Max. file size: 88 MB.
  • Ex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandariordan/ Optional, but strongly encouraged, ESPECIALLY if resume is not included.
  • Please be sure to check spelling and grammar before submission as in most cases winner's bios will be posted as submitted.
  • Please provide a detailed reason for nominating this person.
  • Nominee Twitter link. Ex: https://twitter.com/AmandaPRiordan
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

2024 Vanguard Nominations Open Through January 1

Written by Amanda Riordan on . Posted in AAA HQ, Annual Conference & Tradeshow, News, Press.

Nominations Are Due January 1, 2024!

Recognize woman leaders with at least 35 years of service in EMS! Nominations are open for the second annual American Ambulance Association Vanguard Awards! The Vanguards honor those who blazed the trail for fellow women EMS professionals.

The Vanguards are presented in collaboration with our colleagues from Women in Emergency Services (WiES), a newly-founded organization dedicated to supporting and advancing women’s careers in the emergency services industry through empowerment, networking, mentorship, and education.

2023 American Ambulance Association Vanguard Awards

Selection Process & Criteria

To submit a 2024 Vanguard nomination, please complete the form below before January 1, 2024.

Honorees will be selected based ONLY on the information provided in their nomination form. Nominees should have contributed to their organization, state ambulance association, AAA, other professional associations, and/or the EMS profession in an extraordinary way beyond faithful completion of job duties. Please be sure to include detail about the nominee’s impact to date.

Please note that nominees must be women with 35+ years of service in the EMS industry. No specific job role or title is required for consideration.

Recognition

Honorees will be recognized at the American Ambulance Association President’s Reception award ceremony, and will be recognized on the AAA and WiEMS websites and social media platforms. Winners will also receive complimentary registration to the AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show.

2024 AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show
Gaylord Opryland
April 22–24, 2024
Nashville, TN

2024 Vanguard Awards Nominations

  • Nominator Contact Details

    Information about the person SUBMITTING the nomination.

  • Nominee Details

    Information about the person BEING NOMINATED
  • Nominee Name
  • Nominee Email
  • Nominee address
  • Nominee Job Title
  • Nominee Company Name
  • HIGH RESOLUTION Nominee Headshot of at least 500x500 px
    Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, Max. file size: 88 MB.
  • Optional, but strongly encouraged
    Max. file size: 88 MB.
  • Ex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandariordan/ Optional, but strongly encouraged, ESPECIALLY if resume is not included.
  • Please be sure to check spelling and grammar before submission as in most cases winner's bios will be posted as submitted.
  • Please provide a detailed reason for nominating this person. Please include her length of service in EMS (35+ years required.)
  • Nominee Twitter link. Ex: https://twitter.com/AmandaPRiordan
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

2024 Annual Conference Speakers Wanted!

Written by Amanda Riordan on . Posted in AAA HQ, Annual Conference & Tradeshow.

2024 Annual Conference & Trade Show Call for Presentations

Thank you for your interest in speaking at the AAA Annual Conference and Trade Show.

2024 AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show
Gaylord Opryland
April 22–24, 2024
Nashville, TN

The deadline for submissions is January 1, 2024. Applicants may submit up to three proposals. Audience involvement is highly encouraged.

Please be advised that participation as a presenter is strictly on a voluntary basis. Up to two speakers per selected session will receive complimentary registration to the conference. However, AAA is unable to pay speaker fees or travel and lodging expenses.
Thank you for your interest in sharing your expertise with your peers!

  • AAA membership is required to present at our conference.
  • 50–75 word description of your proposed session for marketing purposes. Please include concrete, actionable takeaways your participants will be able to apply immediately.
  • For ALL co-presenters, please provide:
    Name
    Job TItle
    Company Name
    Email Address
    Please note that a maximum of two speakers per session will receive complimentary conference registrations.
  • Is this content geared to those who are new to the topic, intermediate, or advanced?
  • Select the tracks most appropriate for this proposed session.
  • If you have not recently presented at an American Ambulance Association event, please list your past speaking experience, including event names and dates.
  • Please provide a brief professional biography of yourself.
  • If you have not recently presented at an AAA event, please provide a HIGH RESOLUTION headshot of at least 500x500px
    Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif.
  • Ex: https://twitter.com/amerambassoc
  • Ex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandariordan/
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

2023 Vanguard Award Winners Announced

Written by Amanda Riordan on . Posted in AAA HQ, Annual Conference & Tradeshow, Awards, Vanguard Award.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Amanda Riordan
Vice President, Membership
ariordan@ambulance.org

American Ambulance Association Announces Inaugural Vanguard Award Winners

Washington D.C. – The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to announce the winners of the inaugural Vanguard Awards. The Vanguards honor those who blazed the trail for fellow women EMS professionals, and the 23 winners represent a diverse group of dedicated individuals who have made significant contributions to mobile healthcare.

“We are thrilled to recognize these trailblazers who have paved the way for women in EMS,” said Randy Strozyk, President of AAA. “Their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence have not only elevated their own careers but have also helped to advance the entire profession.”

Lori Burns | National Vice President of Learning, Global Medical Response | Denver, Colorado
Denise Carson | President, Med-Tech EMS | Morrilton, Arkansas
Sherry Carson | President, Monticello Ambulance Service, Inc. | Monticello, Arkansas
Diana Cataldo | Founder/Treasurer, Cataldo Ambulance Service, Inc | Middleton, Massachusetts
Cindy Elbert | President, Cindy Elbert Insurance Services, Inc. | Peoria, Arizona
Linda Frederiksen | Executive Director, MEDIC EMS | Davenport, Iowa
Dia Gainor | Executive Director, National Association of EMS Officials (NASEMSO) | Falls Church, Virginia
Debby Gault | Retired/Consultant, AMR | Waterford, Wisconsin
Dr. Marianne Gausche-Hill | Medical Director, Los Angeles County EMS Agency | Santa Fe Springs, California
Blanche Hill | Co-Founder, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. | Elmhurst, Illinois
Kristine Kern | Paramedic Professor, San Jacinto College | San Jacinto, Texas
Susan Long | Vice President, Emergency Medical Services, Allina Health EMS | St. Paul, Minnesota
Tracey Loscar | Deputy Director, MatSu Borough EMS | Palmer, Alaska
Pam McBeath | President/ CEO, Balentine Ambulance Service Inc. | Shreveport, Louisiana
Susan McHenry | EMS Director (Retired), State of Virginia | Highlands Ranch, Colorado (Honored Posthumously)
Carol Meyer | Director, Government Relations, McCormick Ambulance | Compton, California
Carol Pafford | Vice President Emeritus, Pafford Medical Services | Hope, Arkansas
Jamie Pafford-Gresham | President/CEO, Pafford Medical Services | Hope, Arkansas
Helen Pierson | Chief Executive Officer, Medic Ambulance | Vallejo, California
Julie Rose | Director of Policy & Advocacy, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. | Ashtabula, Ohio
Lauren Rubinson | Founder and CEO, MedEx Ambulance Service | Skokie, Illinois
Janet Smith | Owner and President, On Assignment | San Diego, California
Debbie Vass | Chief Administrative Officer, Sunstar Paramedics | Largo, Florida

The Vanguard Awards are presented in collaboration with Women in Emergency Services (WiES), a newly-founded organization dedicated to supporting and advancing women’s careers in the emergency services industry through empowerment, networking, mentorship, and education.

The winners will receive complimentary registration to the American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show in Las Vegas on June 26-28, 2023. They will also be recognized at the President’s Reception on the evening of June 27, and their profiles will be featured on the AAA website and social media.

“The Vanguard Awards celebrate the accomplishments of women who have broken down barriers and opened doors for future generations,” said Strozyk. “We are proud to honor their legacy.”

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.

2022 AAA Board of Directors Election Results

Written by Meghan Winesett on . Posted in AAA HQ, Annual Conference & Tradeshow, Elections.

The winners of the 2022 AAA Board of Directors election are listed below. The term for each position will begin on January 1, 2023. For regions 1 and 3, two directors were chosen due to vacant positions. Please join us in thanking all candidates for their service to the American Ambulance Association.

President-Elect

Jamie Pafford-Gresham
Pafford EMS
Hope, AR

 

Treasurer

Julie Rose
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc.
Ashtabula, OH

 

 

Secretary

Wayne Jurecki
Bell Ambulance Service, Inc.
Milwaukee, WI

 

 

Region 1 Director – 3 Year Term

Dennis Cataldo
Cataldo Ambulance Service
Somerville, MA

 

 

 

Region 1 Director – 1 Year Term

Mike Addario
Global Medical Response
Baldwinsville, NY

 

 

Region 2 Director – 3 Year Term

Chuck Kearns
Mercy Ambulance Service, Inc
Savannah, GA

 

 

Region 3 Director – 3 Year Term

Tom Tornstrom
Gundersen Health System-Tri-State Ambulance
La Crosse, WI

 

 

Region 3 Director – 1 Year Term

Kyle Wolber
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc.
Winfield, IL

 

 

Region 4 Director – 3 Year Term

Allyson Pharr
Acadian Ambulance
Lafayette, LA

 

 

Region 5 Director – 3 Year Term

J.D. Fuiten
Metro West Ambulance
Hillsboro, OR

 

 

 

 

Ethics Committee

Hanan Cohen
Empress EMS
Region 1

 

 

 

Ron Quaranto
Acadian Ambulance
Region 4

2021 AAA Board of Directors Election Results

Written by Meghan Winesett on . Posted in AAA HQ, Annual Conference & Tradeshow, Elections.

The winners of the 2021 AAA Board of Directors election are listed below. The term for each position will begin on January 1, 2022. In compliance with our updated association bylaws, the candidate who received the most votes in each region will serve a one-time three year term and the candidate with the second most votes will serve a two-year term. Please join us in thanking all candidates for their service to the American Ambulance Association.

Region I

Director (3 year term)

Jim O’Connor
Vice President
Empress EMS
White Plains, NY

 

Director (2 year term)

Ron Quaranto
Executive Vice President of Operations
Cataldo Ambulance
Somerville, MA

 

Region II

 

Director (3 year term)

Terence Ramotar
Director of Government Affairs- Southeast Region
Global Medical Response
Tampa, FL

 

 

Director (2 year term)

Mike Thomas
Director of Safety & Government Relations
Jan-Care Ambulance
Beckley, WV

 

Region III

Director (3 year term)

Chris Anderson
Director of Operations
Bell Ambulance, Inc.
Milwaukee, WI

 

 

 

Director (2 year term)

Tom Schmiedeknecht
Director of Operations / President
Professional Med Team
Muskegon, MI

Region IV

 

Director (3 year term)

Angie McLain-Johnson
Chief Compliance and Revenue Officer
Pafford EMS
Edmond, OK

 

 

 

Director (2 year term)

Tom Fennell
Regulatory Officer
Mayo Clinic Ambulance
Rochester, MN

 

Region V

Director (3 year term)

Paul Main
President / General Manager
American Ambulance of Visalia
Visalia, CA

 

Director (2 year term)

Chris Archuleta
CEO
Superior Ambulance Service, Inc
Albuquerque, NM

 

Ethics Committee

Allyson Pharr
Acadian Ambulance

Scott Mickelsen
Bell Ambulance, Inc.

Registration Open! Annual & Stars In Texas

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Annual Conference & Tradeshow, Stars of Life.

Annual & Stars of Life—Even Better Together!

The 2021 American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show and Stars of Life EMS recognition event will take place TOGETHER in Grapevine, Texas, this November.

It has been a LONG year, but the wait is over and we can finally get together in person. Please join us in Texas in November to celebrate all that EMS has overcome, as well as to work collaboratively to solve the problems of today—and tomorrow.

Early Bird rates for the 2021 Annual Conference & Trade Show are available now! This is the best opportunity to save on registration for the EMS leadership event of the year. Save even more on registration when you bring a team of two or more!

Learn from the industry’s best, reconnect with peers from across the country, and return to your service with a renewed sense of purpose. What are you waiting for? We can’t wait to see you in Texas in November. Register now for AAA 2021!
► This year only, the American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life will take place at the same location in Texas! Register your Stars for the November 2–3 Stars of Life event using the same convenient online process you use to register your leadership team for the November 1–3 Annual Conference & Trade Show.◄
AAA 2021 features a star-studded lineup of industry experts. Check out this year’s speakers and review the full agenda to find out what we have in store for you in Texas!

Frank Warren | Secrets of EMS
Elliot Eisenberg | The Macroeconomics of EMS
Chief Economist, Graphs & Laughs
Internationally acclaimed, member-recommended speaker and economics expert.
@Econ70 | Facebook
Good Morning American Ambulance Association!
Join Rob Lawrence (Pro EMS, California Ambulance Assoc), Alexia Jobson (REMSA), and Mark Tenia (Richmond Ambulance Authority) for an EMS morning show that will energize, inspire, and connect.
The American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession.

Recognize the unsung heroes at your ambulance service—nominate EMTs, Paramedics, Dispatchers, and other EMS professionals for this year’s class of Stars. Stars of Life honors the contributions of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure.

2021 Stars of Life will take place in Grapevine, Texas November 2–3 in conjunction with the American Ambulance Association’s Annual Conference & Trade Show. Visit www.annual.ambulance.org to nominate YOUR Stars today! 

Stars of Life 2021 Agenda

Tuesday, November 2

  • 15:00 | Expo Hall Closing Reception (Optional)
  • 16:00 | Awards at President’s Reception
  • Dinner with Hosting Agency Leaders (Optional)

Wednesday, November 3

  • 09:30 | Secrets of EMS Post Secret Keynote
  • 10:30 | EMS Improv Class
  • 13:00 | Luncheon with AAA Leaders
  • 14:00 | Safetech Leadership Workshop
  • 16:30 | Adjournment

Note: We regret that we are not presently able to accommodate family member guests at the full 2021 Stars of Life event. There are no face-to-face or virtual legislator visits planned for this year’s Stars of Life.
Experience the Gaylord Texan
Everything is bigger in Texas and that undoubtedly includes Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center! Standing on the shores of Lake Grapevine with 4.5 acres of indoor gardens, several world-class restaurants, a 10-acre outdoor waterpark, seasonal resort pool, and indoor lap pool, this is a hotel that could only make its home in The Lone Star State.Enjoy the convenient location near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Grapevine Mills® shopping center, LEGOLAND®, and the Dallas Cowboys Golf Club.The Gaylord Texan’s spacious hotel rooms and suites provide an exceptional opportunity to relax, and you can unwind even more at the resort’s on-site spa, Relâche Spa & Salon. Make your time at the AAA conference extraordinary at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center! Reserve your rooms for Annual and Stars of Life now at low AAA rates!►
New for 2021, the American Ambulance Association is offering even more opportunities to connect with new colleagues!
Put your brand in the spotlight! If you are interested in showcasing your organization at our tradeshow, email hello@ambulance.org to receive information when booth registration opens mid-May.

2021 Stars of Life Postponed

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Annual Conference & Tradeshow, Stars of Life.

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the AAA Board of Directors recently voted to postpone the 2021 Stars of Life event originally scheduled for May. This decision was made regretfully and out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our Stars, hosts, and guests. We are truly sorry for this disappointing change of plan. Please stay tuned for additional updates about the program in the coming weeks as we research the feasibility of a hybrid Stars of Life-2021 Annual Conference & Trade Show in Texas in November.

The American Ambulance Association deeply appreciates your continued support and participation, as well as your flexibility as we adapt our programs for the COVID-19 era.

2020 AAA Board of Directors Election Results

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in AAA HQ, Annual Conference & Tradeshow, Elections.

The winners of the 2020 AAA Board of Directors election are listed below. The term for each position will begin on January 1, 2021. Please join us in thanking all candidates for their service to the American Ambulance Association.

Executive Committee

President-Elect

Randy Strozyk
Senior Vice President- Executive Operations
Global Medical Response
Tukwila, WA

 

Treasurer

Julie Rose
Chief Executive Officer
Community Care Ambulance
Ashtabula, OH

 

 

Secretary

Jamie Pafford-Gresham
President and CEO
Pafford Medical Services
Hope, AR

 

 

Region I

Director (2022)

Mike Addario
Vice President of Operations- Northeast
Global Medical Response
Syracuse, NY

 

Alternate Director

Jim O’Connor
Vice President
Empress EMS
White Plains, NY

 

Region II

 

Director (2022)

Chuck Kearns
Chief Executive Officer
Mercy Ambulance Service
Savannah, GA

 

Alternate Director

Terence Ramotar
Director of Government Affairs
Global Medical Response
Tampa, FL

 

Region III

Director (2022)

 

Kim Godden
Vice President- Legal, Government Relations, and Compliance
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc.
Elmhurst, IL

 

 

 

Alternate Director

*Vacant due to term limit*

 

Region IV

Director (2022)

Asbel Montes (2 years)
Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
Acadian Ambulance Service, Inc.
Lafayette, LA

 

Tom Fennell (1 year)
Compliance Officer
Mayo Clinic Ambulance
Rochester, MN

 

 

 

Alternate Director

David Tetrault
Administrator/Chief Executive Officer
St. Francois County Ambulance District
Farmington, MO

 

Region V

Director (2022)


JD Fuiten
Owner & President
Metro West Ambulance Service, Inc.
Hillsboro, OR

 

Alternate Director


Paul Pedersen
Managing Partner
Arizona Ambulance Transport
Sierra Vista, AZ

 

 

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Ethics Committee

Allyn Girard (2022)
Golden Cross Ambulance
Region 1

Moises Segovia (2022)
Life Star EMS
Region 4

 

2020 AAA Virtual Conference Speaker Session Submission

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in AAA HQ, Annual Conference & Tradeshow.

Although the 2020 AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Ambulance Association remains committed to the continued education and engagement of ambulance service leaders.  As such, we plan a series of webinars throughout the year, as well as a Virtual Conference in November.

Please use the form below to share details, including the link to your prerecorded session, for your virtual conference session. Please note that all participating session speakers should pre-record their sessions, and that sessions may be edited for length or quality.

Here are some tips for a great online session!

Thank you for your interest in sharing your knowledge with your EMS colleagues.

All Virtual Annual sessions will take place on the highly interactive Prodigy EMS platform developed by Pro EMS of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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