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Meet the Candidates

The 2023 AAA Election will once again be paperless and held entirely online. Primary contacts of Active Single State and Multi-State Members are permitted by AAA’s bylaws to vote in board elections.

2023 Election Timeline

  • 9/20 | Voting Opens. Election will be paperless. Ballots will be delivered to AAA Active Member primary contacts via email.
  • 10/20 | Voting Closes 11:59pm
  • 11/6-8| Election results announced at the AAA membership meeting at the Stars of Life Event.  

Slate of Candidates

Thank you and best of luck to this year’s slate of talented and seasoned board candidates.

Region I

Region I Director—2 Candidates

Region 1

ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, NY, CT, NJ

Mike Addario

Vice President, Operations
Global Medical Response

Candidate Statement

When I first ran for a full board seat in 2018 my belief then, as it is now, is that we all share the same goal – to serve our communities and customers with excellence in care in a rapidly changing environment that presents growing challenges to our industry. A lot has happened to health care and our industry since then. The pressures we face from reimbursement, escalating costs of doing business and staffing challenges have approached critical mass. News accounts of ambulance services closing due to lack of funding appear daily. Access to care, especially in rural areas, is becoming jeopardized in many parts of our country. The recent VA final rule, which goes into effect in February 2023 could seriously impact access for veterans.

The American Ambulance Association has been front and center as we collectively face these issues and has been instrumental in protecting our industry. But, there is still much work to be done. Last year, with the changes in terms, I believed I was facing my last term. However, I have one two-year term remaining. It has truly been an honor to represent Region I over the last four years and I humbly ask your consideration to represent Region I for my final two years.

History of Career in EMS

I started my career in 1983 after I took my first EMT class at Golden Cross Ambulance Service in Claremont, NH. I began working for Golden Cross as an EMT that year and continued working after I became a paramedic in 1987. I also volunteered for the University of New Hampshire-Durham Ambulance Corps from 1984 to 1986 while attending the University of New Hampshire. In 1986 I moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan and the Davenport College paramedic program. In 1988 I began work as a paramedic for Eastern Paramedics in Syracuse, NY. I became a supervisor in 1992 and continued to work in that capacity after Eastern was acquired by Rural/Metro in 1994. I became an operations manager in 1996 and General Manager in 1999. In 2014 I was promoted to Vice President of Operations and remain in that capacity today with AMR. I also have experience as a flight paramedic for the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department/University Hospital air-medical program and as paramedic preceptor and board member for the local paramedic program. I served for over twelve years on the Central New York Regional Emergency Medical Services Council (a regional regulatory body) and Onondaga County EMS Advisory Board.  I’ve served as a voting board member for the American Ambulance Association since 2019. Within the community, I served as chair of the American Heart Association’s Central New York Chapter in 2006 and in 2013 and as Chair of Leadership Greater Syracuse (LGS) from 2013 to 2015. LGS was founded in 1990 as a partnership between the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County, Onondaga Community College and Centerstate CEO with a mission to inspire current and future leaders to make a difference in the community.

Top 3 Issues in Emergency Healthcare

1. Long-term, financially sustainable reimbursement models for our industry. Our government driven reimbursement models are antiquated and not reflective of the modern era of EMS. Simply put, they are not sustainable and need to change.
2. Workforce development. Fewer people are entering our industry. Part of this ties back to the need for sustainable reimbursement models. Part of this ties back the changing expectations of a new generation. The desires and needs of the workforce of today are not the same as those of past generations of workers. It is incumbent upon us to better understand these issues and develop modern day solutions.
3. Regulatory environment that remains relatively unchanged from the “early days” of EMS and is not aligned with the modern day ambulance industry.

Top 3 Priorities for AAA

1. Continue to lobby and advocate for sustainable reimbursement models from government payers – Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, etc.
2. Advocate for funding and support of workforce development. Act as a resource for workforce development best practices.
3. Push for modernization of the regulation of the ambulance industry at the federal level. Work to promote the positive role the ambulance industry plays within the nation’s healthcare delivery system.


James  DiClemente

President & COO of Prodigy (Education)
Pro EMS

Candidate Statement

With over a decade and a half of comprehensive experience in the EMS landscape, I am eager to bring my wealth of knowledge to the American Ambulance Association’s board of directors. My background, deeply rooted in both educational and operational spheres–notably as a founding force behind Prodigy EMS and a devoted paramedic — speaks to my unwavering dedication to advancing EMS services.

History of Career in EMS

James started as an EMT at Professional Ambulance where he attended paramedic school starting in 2009 as part of the first class for the Pro EMS Center for MEDICS. James quickly became part of the educational staff and has climbed the education ranks at Pro EMS.

Top 3 Issues in Emergency Healthcare

  1. Understanding what our role is (public health vs. public safety)
  2. Sustainable funding
  3. Consistency of care across services

Top 3 Priorities for AAA

  1. Working with state and federal officials to maintain funding
  2. Partnering with other organizations to have a consistent voice
  3. Identify the next generation of EMS leaders

 

Region II


Region II Director—4 Candidates

Region 2

PA, WV, MD, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL, DC, DE, MS, AL

Dixon Marlow

Chief Executive Officer
Amerimed Medical Solutions and Amerimed Emergency Medical Services

Candidate Statement

On behalf of Amerimed’s more than 850 Associates, I respectfully present this letter of nomination for Dixon Marlow as a nominee for the 2023 AAA Board position. Since starting his career in EMS in 1992, Dixon has served in many operational, management and executive positions for a variety of services in including 911 emergency, private emergency, and non-emergency providers. Dixon currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Amerimed Medical Solutions, and its subsidiaries, Amerimed Emergency Medical Services and Home Physician Care, (d/b/a Amerimed Mobile Integrated Healthcare), and has recently taken on the role of Chief Executive Officer for a new joint venture providing Mobile Integrated Healthcare and Community Paramedicine services called QuikMedic LLC. Since he had been operating MIH programs since 2008, in spring of 2020, Dixon lead a small group of like-minded innovators to launch the National Association of Mobile Integrated Healthcare Providers, a non-profit designed to create collaboration, share knowledge, and drive innovation and education related to the benefits MIH programs can provide to patients, EMS, and Hospital systems, and even healthcare payors. Dixon currently serves as a co-founder, charter member, and Secretary/Treasurer for the Board of Directors for the Association. His tireless efforts to lead the way forward through innovation and generously sharing his time and talents to lead others to the benefits MIH programs have to offer continues to be inspiring to others while improving the health and wellness of communities throughout the United States as the Association continues to expand its reach.

History of Career in EMS

Since starting his career in EMS in 1992, Dixon has served in many operational, management and executive positions for a variety of services in including 911 emergency, private emergency, and non-emergency providers.  He has been an Ambulance Service business owner for over 20 years. In addition to his “day job”, Dixon volunteers his time and industry expertise in service to the emergency medical services industry through his involvement with a number of State Advisory Councils including: the GA Region 2 EMS Council and the GA Region 2 EMS Director’s Association (President). He is also an active participant with the GA EMS Association and the GA Ambulance Providers Association.

Top 3 Issues in Emergency Healthcare

  1. Overall cost of care
  2. Fragmentation of Care Services
  3. Access to Care limitations causing over-use of 911 Ambulance and Emergency Department utilization for non-life threatening concerns.

Top 3 Priorities for AAA

  1. Compensation for providers. Value based compensation programs can create opportunities for improvement in care while reimbursement can be more accurately aligned with actual cost of care.
  2. Legislative and regulatory efforts to clear the way for Mobile Integrated Healthcare models and reimbursement. Due to its reimbursement models, EMS is Healthcare, not public safety. Finally make the choice to choose our lane and promote the services and capabilities in line with healthcare services and reimbursement models.
  3. Workforce limitations: A great deal of work needs to be done to build a sustainable, well-educated, well-compensated labor forces that is worthy of recognition as an essential service for our communities.

John Peterson

Executive Director
Mecklenburg EMS Agency (MEDIC)

Candidate Statement

I have been involved with the AAA for over 10 years serving on the bylaws, ethics, and now as the chairperson of the professional standards committees. I served as the president elect, president, and immediate past president of the Florida Ambulance Association from 2016 to 2021 prior to moving to North Carolina. I have worked in the top position at three of the nation’s largest 911 EMS systems: Sunstar, EMSA, and MEDIC. I am a licensed paramedic in FL and NC and worked the street for many years. I am passionate about improving and sustaining EMS for the future and feel that my past experience has prepared me well for a role as regional director with the AAA.

History of Career in EMS

I began my career at Superior Ambulance in Chicago as an EMT in 2000. I progressed to Paramedic in 2002. In 2003, My wife and I moved to Florida where I worked as a paramedic at Sunstar Paramedics. I was promoted up the ladder and became the Director of Operations in 2010. In 2012, I was offered a promotion and transfer to become the COO at EMSA in Oklahoma. I worked at EMSA for two years until moving back to Sunstar to become the CAO there. I became COO at Sunstar in 2015 and served in that role until 2021 when I had the opportunity to become the new Executive Director at MEDIC in Charlotte, NC. I have an MBA in healthcare management from the University of Texas at Tyler where I graduated in the top 10% of my class and received membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society for business schools. All three of the large EMS services I have overseen are CAAS and ACE accredited with Sunstar also being CAMTS accredited. Under my leadership at Sunstar, we received AMBY awards in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019 as well as numerous state awards.

Top 3 Issues in Emergency Healthcare

1) Staffing – Recruitment and Retention
2) Reimbursement – Concerns with Federal, state and private insurers
3) Field provider mental heath, wellbeing and engagement during the pandemic

Top 3 Priorities for AAA

  1. Reimbursement – The cost to provide service has quickly outpaced reimbursement. Challenges include Medicare ambulance relief, VA
    rate changes, NSA-balanced billing, EMS as an essential service, etc.
  2. EMS workforce shortage – funding for EMT and paramedic education and recruitment
  3. Provider health and wellbeing – Increased awareness, expansion of available mental health services, and efforts to reduce violence against
    EMS providers


Brooke Taylor

Chief
Coastal Health System

Candidate Statement

Being a member of Emergency Medical Services for over 34 years has been the joy of my life! Having served in many roles from volunteer First Responder through Certified Flight Paramedic, as well as Dispatcher, Biller, Supervisor, EMS Educator, Administrator and now Chief has given me the opportunities to learn and lead with passion and compassion. To continuously grow and help those around me do the same. Striving to give the best of myself to our team and our patients, care partners and communities. Serving Region II would be an honor and privilege, allowing me to connect and serve with other EMS Professionals and Practitioners as we journey ahead toward a greater future!

History of Career in EMS

  • Volunteer First Responder Colorado in 1989.
  • EMT in 1994, working in both volunteer and paid agencies, private, public and government
  • EMT in Indiana in 1996, working for small 1 ambulance as well as the 2nd largest ambulance company in the nation.
  • Paramedic in Indiana in 1998, worked for large ambulance company, as well as a medic at the Indianapolis Zoo and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Then served as a Paramedic with the Indianapolis Fire Department.
  • In 2007 trained and then served as a ground Critical Care Paramedic and also trained as a Flight Paramedic until 2009.
  • Paramedic in Florida 2009-Current serving as a FT EMS School Assistant Director, in Hospice and as a Chief Operating Officer and now as Chief/President and CEO.
  • Served as an EMS Instructor in Colorado, Indiana and Florida including Anatomy, EMT, Paramedic, BCLS, ACLS, PALS, AMLS, PHTLS and Critical Care Instructor from 1994-current.

Top 3 Issues in Emergency Healthcare

1. Reimbursement – Ambulance services are not paid for the incredible work they do.
2. Retention – Finding and keeping qualified, caring individuals has been and is an ongoing struggle across all spectrums of EMS.
3. Recognition – EMS must be considered as essential across the US. Not just celebrated one week a year.

Top 3 Priorities for AAA

1. Reimbursement – Ambulance services are not paid for the incredible work they do.
2. Retention – Finding and keeping qualified, caring individuals has been and is an ongoing struggle across all spectrums of EMS.
3. Recognition – EMS must be considered as essential across the US. Not just celebrated one week a year.


Mike Thomas, DrPH

Director of Government Relations & Safety
Jan-Care Ambulance, Inc.

Candidate Statement

Region 2 friends and colleagues, I humbly ask for your vote once again to be your director. In my previous term, the AAA board, committees, and staff have made monumental strides to improve our profession. For example, we were instrumental in the formation of the Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing Advisory Council (GAPBAC) to work with stakeholders, legislators, and CMS in determining a fair and equitable reimbursement mechanism. We have vehemently opposed the current payment model; therefore, CMS has launched the cost collection efforts to adequately analyze our data. In addition, through discussion with congressional members and staff, we have had several bills introduced, and our efforts were imperative in the postponement of the Statutory PAYGO sequestration preventing a 4% decrease in Medicare reimbursement. Currently, this board and organization are collaborating with the Veterans Health Administration to alter their final rule regarding 911 transports.
As we all know, this profession is fluid, everchanging, and unpredictable, so I will not promise smoke and mirrors. What I can assure you is that no other candidate will outwork me in representing you, I will make myself available to discuss any AAA or EMS issue you would like to discuss, and I will continue to study and learn everything I can so that I can represent Region 2 with the utmost knowledge and preparation. So calling Alabama, Delaware, Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, please put your trust in my representation once again and let us do even better!

History of Career in EMS

I began my EMS career at the request of my 20+ year EMS career of my mother in the billing department. I ended up falling in love with the profession. Safety became a hot button issue for the industry and Jan-Care opened a safety officer position for which I applied and was appointed. I then became the Director of Safety and began learning other aspects such as government relations, human resources, and compliance. Currently, I work robustly in all of those areas.

Top 3 Issues in Emergency Healthcare

  1. Workforce
  2. Reimbursement
  3. Workforce and Reimbursement again!

Top 3 Priorities for AAA

  1. Emphasis on working with industry stakeholders and congressional delegation to ameliorate the unintended consequences of current legislation
  2. Focus on continuing the wonderful educational and informational webinars put on by this organization for its members as knowledge is power
  3. Collaborating with CMS on an iterative basis to ensure they produce a fair and equitable payment model that is sustainable for the future of this great profession

Region III

Region III Director—2 Candidates

Region 3

MI, WI, IL, OH, KY, TN, IN

Christopher Vandenberg

Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer
Chicago Ambulance Alliance

Candidate Statement

I have more than 28 years of experience in EMS, participating at all levels – beginning in maintenance washing the trucks, in the Comms center as a calltaker and dispatcher for IFT and 911, in revenue cycle as a coder, in the field as an EMT, and for the last 18 years as CFO/COO of the Chicago Ambulance Alliance (Trace ATI and Vandenberg Ambulance). My family has been involved in EMS for four generations, beginning as operators of funeral homes in the Chicagoland area. We are at a critical juncture for EMS, and without addressing the woefully inadequate rates paid by Medicare and preventing the inclusion of EMS into the “No Surprises Act” our industry will collapse. Until these are addressed anything we do to address the critical staffing issues will ultimately fail in the long term.  We must ensure that sustainable and adequate funding is available from the services we provide – we cannot rely on supplemental tax or other subsidies to survive. We must encourage IMMEDIATE action to provide MEANINGFUL (>20%) temporary increases to the Medicare rates until Cost Data is available. In terms of the NSA, any inclusion of ground ambulance into it must address how Medicare Advantage and Commercial Payers advertise coverage of EMS services and seek for transparency of non-coverage and maximums for beneficiary cost-sharing (which many insurers and beneficiaries inappropriately describe as “surprise billing”). Once sustainable funding is achieved, we must turn our focus to ensuring a path of recruitment and advancement of all EMS personnel.

History of Career in EMS

I have more than 28 years of experience in EMS, participating at all levels – beginning in maintenance washing the trucks, in the Comms center as a calltaker and dispatcher for IFT and 911, in revenue cycle as a coder, in the field as an EMT, and for the last 18 years as CFO/COO of the Chicago Ambulance Alliance and President of Trace, ATI, and Vandenberg Ambulance. Over the years I have been involved in both State and National advocacy organizations – including the AAA and the Illinois State Ambulance Association (President for the last 9 years). During my time at the ISAA, I assisted in carving ground ambulance out of Medicaid. Managed Care, worked to reverse rate cuts (2012), secured funding of the first Medicaid rate increase in more than 10 years (in 2013), implemented a GEMT supplemental payment program which supported further rate Medicaid increases (2019) and negotiated a 40% Medicaid rate increase (2023). I also am a regular participant in IDPH Regional Advisory Committees.

Top 3 Issues in Emergency Healthcare

  1. Reimbursement
  2. Sustainable Funding
  3. Reimbursement

Top 3 Priorities for AAA

  1. Immediate Interim Medicare Rate Increase
  2. Medicare Rate Reforms
  3. Address Potential Inclusion in NSA.

Kyle Wolber

Director of Logistics
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc.

Candidate Statement

I believe that the continued strength and success of the American Ambulance Association (AAA) is vital to the sustainability and growth of the private ambulance service sector in our nation. Therefore, I have volunteered in leadership roles in the AAA over the last year and desire to continue to serve as your Region III Director. It has been a great privilege as a Region III Director to help navigate some of the difficulties facing our industry, particularly with balanced billing, Medicare reimbursement, and the staffing crisis. Furthermore, it has been an honor to Vice-Chair the build out of the new and successful EMS Next program to bring up and coming leaders into the AAA. If re-elected, my passion will be to assure we continue to work the issues at hand to meet our members’ needs, engage with the members of Region III to see how the AAA can better serve you and continue to work hard to bring your perspective to our industry.

History of Career in EMS

I originally started my career as an EMT following four generations of my family volunteering in community EMS providers. While volunteering in EMS I also worked for our local United States Congressman to run a district office. I then moved to the Washington D.C. office providing research and recommendations on policy issues. I followed 4 generations of family heritage again and joined the United States Army serving for 4 years as a combat soldier and 4 years as an investigative officer. I joined Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service as a part-time EMT 7 years ago. Finding my passion in EMS again, I was quickly promoted into management and have continued my service to EMS in this role. In my appointed volunteer role as fire commissioner in my community I am responsible for the human resource management or all paramedics and firefighters.

Top 3 Issues in Emergency Healthcare

  1.  Workforce and leadership candidate shortage– The pipeline of EMS professionals continues to dry up and our industry faces tough times of longer response times and the downgrading of services.
  2. Proper funding- Due to funding shortages, the future of the private ambulance service financial sustainability is at risk, not allowing our industry to keep up with inflation, business costs increasing, and exacerbating the workforce shortages.
  3. Lack of education about our industry and expansion of recognized services- By educating the role of EMS, the public will be able understand our value. Private ambulance services need to be recognized as a critical part of the healthcare infrastructure.

Top 3 Priorities for AAA

  1. Lead the advocacy for fair and equitable ambulance providers funding by seeking out additional financial opportunities to ensure our industry is not left behind and promoting the value and benefit of private EMS in our communities.
  2. Work to find sources for grant opportunities and educational assistance to grow and develop our workforce.
  3. Continue to find, grow, and engage future volunteer leaders to participate in the AAA in any capacity to help identify the threats to the future to our industry. I feel the EMS Next program and myself have been shining examples of this and it must continue for a strong future of the association.

Region IV

Region IV Director—1 Candidate

Region 4

KS, OK, TX, LA, AR, IA, MN, MO, SD, ND, NE

Tom Fennell

Regulatory Officer
Mayo Clinic Ambulance

Candidate Statement

I have been honored to serve as one of the directors for Region IV over these past years and in this time, realized the importance of this role. As our industry continues to face challenges in workforce shortages, reimbursement shortfalls and in many other areas, the Board of Directors for our American Ambulance Association has remained united and positioned our membership to have a voice which is heard and facts which are undisputable. This work is in no way complete. Many projects and political actions are underway and will continue until we have secured a solid future for all ambulance services for years to come.

As a part of this effort and with full understanding I am a representative of not only Region IV, but for the entire EMS community, I have faithfully and equally represented all members in discussions and decisions coming before the board. I believe the connections in place today between the American Ambulance Association and political leaders, the business community and local and state governments is at an all-time high; I am privileged to be a part of this effort, along with all fellow board members, committee chairs and our amazing staff at the AAA offices.
I look forward to continuing to serve on the Board of Directors, constantly looking to a bright future for all of the ambulance industry with committed efforts to work through the trials we are experiencing today and preparation for the ones yet to come

History of Career in EMS

My father owned the ambulance service in my hometown. I was raised with ambulances in my garage and quickly understood the value of a family-run service. It was a true family business with siblings and both parents active in many roles of the operation. When leaving home, I continued to work with a BLS ambulance service, progressing that operation to ALS over the years.
I left the operations side of the industry for five years to work for the State of Minnesota’s EMS Section as a regulator, exposing me to all levels of operations as well as different challenges each service faced and giving me the opportunity to be a resource for these services as we worked to overcome the issues at hand.

Leaving the regulator role, I became the Director of Operations for a medium-sized ALS service. Through mergers and acquisitions, this role was transitioned into my current role with a multi-state, multi-mode ambulance service. Being a part of the leadership team for this service, I have been fortunate to be involved in corporate level decisions and projects as well as hospital administration level and other divisional activities.

Top 3 Issues in Emergency Healthcare

  1. Workforce. The workforce shortage across all of EMS is at a critical level today. Efforts need to be continued and enhanced to meet the demands of the communities we serve and the patients we care for. Workforce options need to involve deeper efforts in diversity, equality and inclusion. Our workforce needs to reflect the communities we serve. As industry leaders, it is our responsibility to identify these solutions and work towards them with the assistance of our partners in government and all of EMS.
  2. Reimbursement. Without proper financial support from payors, all ambulance services, regardless of size, will continue to struggle. The securement of Medicare extenders and additional payments is vital as are the efforts of the GAPBAC. Our voice has been heard; we need to continue our work. Proper levels of reimbursement will enable our industry to secure our workforce by paying staff respectable wages without jeopardizing the stability of the service.
  3. Telling our Story. Ambulance services are expensive businesses to operate. The public, often times, believes the services received should be far less than the bill they receive. This has led to issues outlined in the NSA and forced the formation of GAPBAC and other discussions to bring realization to the table. Having a consistent message to share with all and a positive image in the public affairs area will hopefully ease some of these concerns.

Top 3 Priorities for AAA

  1. Continued activity with congress to secure Medicare extenders and add-ons, not just for the short term, but permanent changes as well as other legislative efforts designed to enhance the EMS industry.
  2. Participation in GAPBAC to assure the industry continues to have a voice, one of reason and fact. Preparation for any and all outcomes from this committee will rest on the AAA.
  3. Promotion of the ambulance industry. Increase the public’s awareness and knowledge of what all is involved with the operation of an ambulance service. A more positive public perception of who we are will aid in our efforts to secure a solid workforce.

 

 

Region V

Region V Director—2 Candidates

Region 5

AZ, CA, NV, UT, OR, ID, WY, MT, WA, HI, AK, NM, CO

Mike Battis

Director of Operations
Ballard Ambulance

Candidate Statement

I am honored to submit my candidacy for the Region 5 Director and am eager to bring my extensive experience and dedication to furthering the goals of the association. With over two decades of dedicated service in EMS, I am confident in my ability to represent Region 5 effectively.

My experience was earned in the real world. It includes working the front lines as a Paramedic, Teaching, Tactical Medical Operations and leading my organization. This has given me a true understanding of the challenges and opportunities that EMS providers face every day.

In my current role as Director of Operations of Ballard Ambulance, I utilize my leadership skills and oversee all aspects of our agency. I have a proven track record of implementing innovative solutions to address the evolving needs of our industry.

I am currently serving as the President of the Washington Ambulance Association, where I have collaborated with industry leaders and the legislature to advocate for changes that benefit EMS.

As the Region 5 Director, I will leverage my experience and passion for EMS to advocate for our region’s needs at the national level. I will work to promote best practices, support legislative initiatives that strengthen our profession, and ensure that the AAA continues to be a leading voice in advancing EMS.

I am committed to bipartisan communication, active collaboration, listening and representing the diverse interests of Region 5. Together, we can elevate EMS to new heights and continue to provide exceptional care to our communities.

History of Career in EMS

Started as Resident Fire fighter at Chelan County Fire District in 1999. Quickly realized I wanted to pursue career in EMS. Became a EMT with Ballard Ambulance in 2001, worked simultaneously at Ballard Ambulance and AMR-Seattle (2001-2002). Paramedic School at CWU graduating in 2003. Ballard Ambulance since. Have worked all aspects of Emergency Services, High Angle Rescue, Helicopter Rescue, Search and Rescue, etc. Became fully commissioned Reserve Deputy with Chelan County Sheriff Office in 2014 and served until 2020. Joined Regional SWAT team as a TEMS medic and became fully integrated member of SWAT Team. Currently serving second consecutive term as the President of the WA State Ambulance Association.

Top 3 Issues in Emergency Healthcare

  1. Staffing/Workforce Shortage
  2. Reimbursement (including Balanced Billing, and Medicaid/Medicare payment)
  3. Continuance of EMS (succession of current leadership)

Top 3 Priorities for AAA

  1. Workforce
  2. Reimbursement
  3. EMS awareness/advocacy

James Pierson

President
Medic Ambulance Service

Candidate Statement

The American Ambulance Association has significant meaning to me professionally and personally. I have grown up in this industry, literally, and I can honestly say I love what I do. I have had the privilege to grow up in a family business and be guided by amazing family members. As a child, I always wanted to be in the EMS field and thankfully I have been able to live out a lifelong dream. Our industry is facing a dynamic and new era with many new opportunities and challenges. As ambulance operators we face many of the same challenges on a daily basis. We must constantly balance operational efficiency with the delivery of superior medical services at a competitive price. We are confronted with public vs private issues and are subject to ever increasing operational costs, all while reimbursements are decreasing. But these challenges make us all continuously learn, improve, and innovate best practice solutions for our service issues.

I truly believe in the power of strategic planning. Collaboratively developing a vision and progressive milestones for achieving each strategic goal has always served me well. I am confident this leadership approach will also serve the best interest of the AAA and help our Association be the best it can be. I also understand we must show our value to not only our members but to the public, elected officials, employees, and customers; helping them to understand how important we are to the healthcare system as a whole.

I have been honored to serve this last eight years as a Director, President, Vice-President, past Convention Chair and member of several committees with California Ambulance Association. In my 16+ years of field and management EMS experience, and my track record along with my personal dedication to the Association’s priorities make me a well-qualified candidate to continue my service as Director.

I would be humbled and honored to be elected as a America Ambulance Association Board of Director and thank you for your support.

History of Career in EMS

I started my EMS career working in our family’s company, Medic Ambulance Service, Inc. in 2001, as a system support technician and dispatcher. My natural affinity for the EMS business has worked helped me work my way up through every department at MEDIC. I have led the MEDIC team through six successful CAAS re-accreditations. My experience, and expertise have helped Medic maintain a 98% compliance with its Solano County EOA Contract and interfacility transfer contracts during his time as an operational leader. I was named a 2007 California Ambulance Association Star of Life recipient, 2018 State of California EMT-Paramedic of the Year, and 2019 State of California Meritorious Service Medal recipient. I am a past Board of Director and the Immediate Past-President of the California Ambulance Association; Member of California Hospital Association EMS/Trauma Committee, and several other state and local committees. In 2019, I became a Fellow of the American College of Paramedic Executives (FACPE). I have also been certified as an Ambulance Compliance Officer (CACO) and Ambulance Privacy Officer (CAPO).

Top 3 Issues in Emergency Healthcare

  1. Payer Issues
  2. Workforce retention and development
  3. System re-design

Top 3 Priorities for AAA

  1. Payer Issues
  2. Workforce retention
  3. Member support and value!

Ethics Committee

Gregory Allard

American Ambulance Service, Inc. (Norwich, CT)

I would like to begin getting more involved in the AAA. Becoming part of this committee seemed like a good beginning. I have never served on an Ethics Committee so it will be a learning experience for me and I look forward to that challenge as well.

 


Christopher Dell

McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority (McCandless, PA)

I am interested in getting more involved with the AAA. I believe in the mission of the organization. I see committee involvement as a logical first step toward even greater participation. At some point, I plan to get involved at the Board Level. With respect to this particular committee, I see myself as fair and a good listener. I would welcome the opportunity to assist in any capacity associated with the committee.

 


Johna Easley

EMSA  (Tulsa, OK)

I am interested and passionate about growing EMS industry standards that promote excellence among EMS organizations and providers. Keeping our patients at the forefront of our mission while growing the industry, our businesses, and our teams to be organizations of excellence that operate with the highest degree of integrity and compassion, should be a key principle of all AAA members.

 


Kevin Ferrarotti

Hartford HealthCare (Meriden, CT)

As part of the AAA officially for more than two (2) years now, I want to become further engaged and participate in the outreach of the AAA. Specifically with this nomination, I have been apart of the provision of EMS for more than 27 years. During this time, I have noted a number of areas of opportunity to improve our overall industry through improved professionalism and respect of our individual EMS colleagues as an integral component in the delivery of patient care. Further, as a board certified healthcare executive and Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives, I have worked within this specific association as a regional board member to assure the Code of Conduct of the ACHE is well communicated and adhered to amongst our healthcare colleagues. In this light, through the AAA, we need to assure our EMS leaders, regardless of title or position, are held to the same ethical standards.

 


Karen Host

Cataldo Ambulance Service (Somerville, MA)

As the demands of this work increase in the wake of COVID, historic staffing challenges, and soaring operating costs, I believe establishing and promoting the highest ethical guidelines is vital. With my background in QA/QI I feel I would make an excellent candidate for reviewing complaints and offering appropriate, reasonable, and fair recommendations.

 


Michael Pieroni

MedEx Ambulance Service (Skokie, IL)

I have been involved in private EMS for 37 years in the Chicago Metro Area. My background as an EMT and a business owner has given me extensive training in Ambulance Operations, Dispatch, Billing & Finance and Human Resources. I feel that I have performed all of these duties over the years with empathy, compassion and fairness. I have a good understanding of the laws, and regulations controlling what we do. I would enjoy the opportunity to bring my experience and knowledge to the table and assist the Ethics Committee as it tackles future issues.

 


Ailyn Risch

American Medical Response (Cheyenne, WY)

1. Contributing to Ethical Decision-Making: I can actively shape the ethical standards and guidelines governing ambulance services in the United States by joining the committee. My involvement can help ensure that ethical considerations are at the forefront of decision-making in emergency medical services.
2. Improving Patient Care: Ethical decision-making is crucial in healthcare, mainly emergency medical services, where quick, life-altering decisions must be made. Being part of the committee allows me to influence policies and practices that ultimately lead to better patient care and outcomes.
3. Promoting Accountability: The committee plays a role in holding ambulance services accountable for their actions. If ethical issues arise, the committee can investigate, provide guidance, and recommend measures to address them.
4. Advocacy: Joining the committee allows me to advocate for ethical principles and patient rights within the field of emergency medical services.

 

 

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