Region I Director—4 Candidates

Mike Addario

Vice President Operations – New York
American Medical Response

Candidate Statement

Thank you for considering me as a director for Region 1. While a relative new-comer to the AAA, I have extensive experience in the EMS industry as a provider, leader and advocate. I firmly believe that we all share the same goal – to serve our communities and customers with excellence in care. However, we strive to do so in a rapidly changing environment that presents growing challenges to our industry. Since the release of “Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society” more than 50 years ago, so much has changed in EMS and in healthcare in general. As we look to the future, our long-term sustainability as an industry will be predicated upon our ability to adapt to this changing environment.The American Ambulance Association, through the participation of its members, is vitally important to our industry as we face these changes. It is my desire to be an advocate for the members in Region 1 as we prepare for the future and work toward the continued evolution of our industry.

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 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 for New York and remain in that capacity today with AMR. I also have experience as flight paramedic for the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department/University Hospital air-medical program and as paramedic preceptor and board member for the Upstate Medical University’s paramedic program. I currently serve as a member of the United New York Ambulance Network, and served for more than a dozen years on the Central New York Regional Emergency Medical Services Council and Onondaga County Ambulance Board. 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.

Reginald Allen

CEO
CHS Mobile Integrated Health Care

Candidate Statement

I have enjoyed participating on AAA committees. I currently serve on the Professional Standards Committee, Payment Reform Committee, and represent the AAA on the EMS 3.0 Committee. I have been involved in EMS for the past 35 years, serving in many capacities. I am interested in sharing my experience with fellow members of AAA and serve to support the efforts of the AAA.

History of Career in EMS

I began my EMS service as an Explorer at the Gates Volunteer Ambulance in 1978. In 1980 (when I was 18 years old) I became a medic on the ambulance. At that time advanced first aid was all that was needed to be a medic. I also joined the Volunteer Fire Department in 1980. I attained EMT certification in 1983. I rose through the ranks at Gates Ambulance and served for 5 years as the Chief of Operations. I also rose through the ranks at the Volunteer Fire Department and attained the rank of Battalion Chief. I was working full time in the Safety industry during this time. I also worked part time at Monroe Ambulance, a commercial ambulance service providing 911 emergency service to the City of Rochester, NY. I taught Paramedic classes between 1997 and 2002 at the local Community College and started up a paramedic program at Jefferson Community College in Watertown, NY. I was hired as the Chief of Ontario County Advanced Life Support in 2004 and served in that position until 2007. I was hired as the Chief of Henrietta Ambulance in 2007 and continue my employment. In 2017, Henrietta Ambulance merged with Chili Ambulance and Scottsville Ambulance and our corporation name was changed to CHS Mobile Integrated Health Care and I was named CEO.

John Iazzetta

Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Alert Ambulance Service, Inc.

Candidate Statement

The AAA serves a vital role by advocating and lobbying for essential reforms, educating members and providing even the smallest companies access to industry experts and services. These important things are only accomplished with a guidance, hard work and dedication of a strong Board of Directors. I feel that as the Region I Director I can help the AAA further its mission.

History of Career in EMS

I began as a 17 year old cadet EMT on my local volunteer first aid squad. I got my first paying job as an EMT with a small, private, family owned ambulance service while attending college. In 1997, after getting a job as a Dispatcher at Monoc (New Jersey’s largest EMS provider), I began Paramedic school. After working as a staff Paramedic for quite a few years, I eventually made my way into management. I was Monoc’s ALS Operations Coordinator when I left to become the Director of Operations at Alert Ambulance Service; a large, family owned private company transporting over 100,000 patients a year. A few years later I was promoted into my current position of VP & COO.

Jim McPartlon

President
Mohawk Ambulance Service

Candidate Statement

Many challenges continue to occur with Medicare Relief Extensions and Payment Reform which I would like to continue working on. I would like the opportunity to continue to share my experience and vision on the AAA Board of Directors. I would be honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve the AAA members and not only advance our solid foundation, but use the knowledge that I have obtained over 40 years in the ambulance industry to provide unparalleled service to those who depend on us. As a current the AAA Board Director, and former Treasurer, and Past President, I have personally worked with Senator Schumer, his office, and other Congressional Offices to secure Medicare Relief for all of us. I would like the opportunity to continue working on our behalf in an effort to promote additional Medicare Relief, encourage permanent payment reform and, most importantly, be your voice on the significant issues that challenge this vital industry. Your vote for me to represent you on the Board of Directors of the American Ambulance Association will allow me the chance to once again, work on your behalf. If ever you need to reach out to me, please call me at (518) 346-5060. I ask for your vote and support for Region 1 Director.

.History of Career in EMS

I began working on the ambulance in high school, continued through college and became active with the AAA as a member upon graduating college. I have remained actively involved in EMS and it has remained my life’s work.

Region II Director—2 Candidates

Josef Penner

Executive Director
MEDIC EMS Agency

Candidate Statement

The AAA’s advocacy on national reimbursement is critical to success of EMS delivery. Reform of the healthcare systems and payment systems like Medicare must progress with a strategic framework that represents the needs of all members and their communities. We must develop effective programs that help members identify and engage employees into becoming the leaders of tomorrow. The Association cannot be all things for all folks; rather it should aim to convene and connect members to ideas, technical information and competency development to advantage their success in the local marketplace.

History of Career in EMS

Joe Penner is the Executive Director for Medic, the paramedic service for the Charlotte, North Carolina area. He is a Fellow and Board Certified in Healthcare Management by the American College of Healthcare Executives, Board member for the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, Chairman of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Housing Coalition and Charlotte Rotary Board Member. Mr. Penner is an active member of the American Ambulance Association and North Carolina EMS Administrators Association. He holds an MBA from Marquette University, completed training as an Improvement Advisor with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and graduated from the UCLA/Daniel Freeman Hospital School of Paramedics.

Larry Wiersch

Chief Executive Officer
Cetronia Ambulance Corps., Inc.

Candidate Statement

I am proud of my service to EMS and our AAA Board as a Region II Alternate Director. During this time of uncertainty and constant change, I will continue to work hard for our association members to ensure that whatever we do for our industry serves our patients and our dedicated professionals with the very best. We need leadership that understands the need to change, challenges the “status quo” on issues that affect our members. Our members, our patients and our communities deserve national leadership that incorporates meaningful processes that supports healthy debate that achieves outcomes with the best possible results.
I believe that my past involvement with the AAA as a Board member for more than ten years and also on multiple committees including government affairs, professional standards, federal reimbursement and numerous other special work groups gives me insight into methods that work. While we must not dwell in the past, we must learn from it while moving forward into the future. I promise, that I will do my very best to represent our region, our association, our employees and most importantly our life saving mission. I will always promote quality EMS that represents all provider types, support good governance and embrace healthy change that saves more lives and allows us to deliver on our promise of service to our community.

History of Career in EMS

I my career in EMS in 1976 as one of the first crews on newly formed Upper Saucon Ambulance in Center Valley, PA where I volunteered as an advanced first aid certified provider. I progressed to one of the regions first emergency medical technician graduates in 1977 and became a paramedic in 1982 where I served as one of the first paramedics on newly formed South Mountain Area Medic Five in Center Valley Pennsylvania where I also volunteered until moving to a full time EMS career in the mid 1980’s. I have worked for the City of Allentown Paramedics, Upper Bucks Paramedics, and began my career with Cetronia Ambulance Corps in 1982 as a volunteer and later accepting a full time Paramedic Supervisors position in 1989; Director of Operations in 1992 and Chief Executive in 1998, a position that I hold today. I am a 1995 Graduate Cum Laude of Allentown College of Saint Francis DeSales, with a Bachelor in Safety Management and a Certificate in Business Management. I also am a graduate of The University of Maryland Baltimore County Campus with a Master of Science in Emergency Health Services with a GPA of 4.0.

Region III Director—2 Candidates

Wayne Jurecki

Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Bell Ambulance, Inc.

Candidate Statement

My name is Wayne Jurecki and I am honored to have been elected, and to serve, as Director – Region III of the American Ambulance Association since 2015. I have been involved with the Association since the early 1990’s. Previously I had been a co-chair of the Medicare Regulatory Committee, member of the Strategic Planning Workgroup, and speaker at both the Reimbursement and Annual conferences of the Association.

I am the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Bell Ambulance, Inc. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I have been with Bell for 33 years and started by doing data entry in the Billing Office. During my time at Bell I have worked in the Billing, Accounting, Human Resources, and Information Technology Departments. In 2003 I became Vice President and in 2011 became the Chief Operating Officers. I was instrumental in the drafting and negotiation of several service contracts, including Bell’s involvement in the City of Milwaukee’s 911 system. I have been involved in Bell’s growth from three locations within the City of Milwaukee to nine locations in Southeastern Wisconsin.

I am seeking re-election to the position of Director – Region III of the American Ambulance Association. I feel I can continue to be beneficial to the Association as we attempt to secure long-term reimbursement and regulatory reforms for the ambulance industry.

History of Career in EMS

I am currently a Director – Region III of the American Ambulance Association, and Director on the Catalyst Insurance, Ltd. Board. I have been involved in EMS with Bell Ambulance since 1985. I have worked in the Billing, Accounting, Dispatching, and IT departments over the intervening years. Significant involvement in Bell’s contract negotiations with the City of Milwaukee and Hospital Systems. Ongoing influence on local Ordinance revisions affecting the ambulance industry in the City and County of Milwaukee. Instrumental with the Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin’s contract negotiations with the State Division of Health regarding non-emergency transportation services to Medicaid recipients. I have been involved with the AAA for over 20 years.

Tom Tornstrom

Executive Director
Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance

Candidate Statement

I am excited to seek candidacy to represent Region III on the AAA board of directors. My career in EMS began in 1990 as a volunteer EMT for a small town in the Midwest. It didn’t take long as an EMT to change my career goal from law enforcement to EMS and it was the right move for me. I love EMS and will continue to do my part to ensure its healthy future.

Having held numerous positions from EMT, paramedic, technology supervisor, manager, and on to my current role for the past eight years as an executive director has given me a strong understanding of our profession and industry. I’m experienced with rural and urban operational, financial, clinical, and political challenges inherent and unique to our profession. I have a very strong interest in business management processes and the use of technology in working toward better patient outcomes and improved efficiencies.

As an executive board member of the Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin (PAAW), I demonstrate my advocacy for our members by being integrally involved in new and exciting legislation which benefit all ambulance service providers in the state. I know first-hand the current struggles our profession faces and realize that we must work hard on many levels to prepare for and shape our future.

As a Region III board representative I will strive to represent our profession and region with professionalism, competence, and optimism. I appreciate your consideration of my candidacy.

History of Career in EMS

1990: EMT – volunteer in Caledonia, MN
1994: Paramedic – full time with Tri-State Ambulance, La Crosse, WI
2006: Supervisor – operations and technology
2008: Operations supervisor
2009: Executive Director (three related companies)

Region IV Director—3 Candidates

Daniel Gillespie

Regional President
Allegiance Mobile Health of Texas

Candidate Statement

As an active member of the AAA, I am proud to have previously served on the board as alternate director for region 4, and currently serve on the Non-Emergency Task Force. I believe strongly in the work that the AAA does on behalf of EMS in America. I will continue to personally support the collective efforts of our industry in both monetary, and time commitments. As we progress thru a new legislative cycle it is imperative that our message is heard loud and clear by our leaders in D.C. We must also stay focused on operational issues plaguing our industry such as paramedic shortages and limited access to educational systems in our rural areas that produce new medics and EMT’s. If chosen, I will continue to work diligently along side the AAA leadership to protect the fabric of our industry and to further the advancement of the EMS profession.

History of Career in EMS

EMT – Wayne Township Fire Department Indianapolis, IN
Director of Public Relations – Care Ambulance Service. Indianapolis, IN
EMS/Critical Care Transport Program Manager – St. Vincent Hospital. Indianapolis, IN.
Indiana Division General Manager – Rural/Metro Ambulance
Executive Director – Gateway Ambulance. St. Louis, MO.
Vice President of Operations – Allegiance Ambulance. Corpus Christi, TX.
Regional President – Allegiance Mobile Health. South/Central Texas

Douglas Hooten

Chief Executive Officer
MedStar Mobile Healthcare

Candidate Statement

America’s healthcare system is dramatically changing. Healthcare finance reform has created a dramatically new environment for all types of providers, including ambulance providers. The leadership of the American Ambulance Association needs to prepare its members to navigate this new environment. MedStar Mobile Healthcare has successfully capitalized on this new environment and if re-elected, I will continue to assist the members of the Association thrive in this new environment.

Working with local and national officials, too often I hear their frustrations about the complexity of the financial models of industry. We must help our membership and industry enhance our financial acumen and economic agility to test new payment models. At MedStar, we have done exactly that – testing several new payment models, with more to be tested in the near future. We also hear from our external partners that the ambulance industry as very fragmented messages within the DC beltway and with large national payers. One of my goals will be to help bring external message clarity to the profession.

Our customer’s expectations are changing – most notably, the desire to carefully shift from volume-to-value based economic models. Our industry leadership is currently ill prepared to make this shift, primarily because we have not taught them how. Having worked diligently with numerous external partners on demonstrating, and getting paid based on the value we bring, as your Region IV representative, one of my goals will be to help facilitate educational opportunities based on value-based payment models to the AAA members.

History of Career in EMS

My EMS career began at the age of 18 working for my mother in her small ambulance service in south Texas as an EMT. Those humble beginnings led to a passion for the ambulance industry. In my early career, I worked as a Paramedic and Supervisor for the Montgomery County Hospital District in Central Texas. From there, my career took me through numerous senior management roles at Rural/Metro in Texas, Ohio, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. I then served as the Executive Director for the Kansas City, MO Public Utility Model (MAST) before accepting the position Senior Vice-President for Domestic Operations at AMR. I came home to MedStar in 2011 as their Chief Executive Officer.

David Tetrault

Administrator/ CEO
St. Francois County Ambulance District

Candidate Statement

As I run for the AAA Board of Directors Region 4 seat, I’m asking for your vote to continue our work bringing EMS forward. Let me be your voice on Capitol Hill as we continue to fight for both small, rural services as well as larger and urban providers. I will follow through, surface and address concerns within the region, and serve the needs of ambulance services across our nation to the very best of my ability.

I’ve served in EMS for more than 27 years, and have demonstrated my committed to EMS advocacy through attendance at hundreds of meetings and volunteering thousands of hours as a director and chair at both the state and national level.

As past president of the Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association and other positions I have been responsible for assisting and participating in planning, preparation, and execution of our annual meetings and workshops. I have also been instrumental in internal audits and the recommendation and implementation of financial procedures for MEMSA. I was a principal player in starting EMS day at the State Capital more than 10 years ago and am still actively involved in legislative activities and initiatives.

I am presently Chair of the AAA’s Membership Committee, in addition to Alternate Director for Region 4. I am also a proud past AAA Region 4 Director.

Given the opportunity, I will use all of my experience, skills, and abilities to drive results for YOUR ambulance service.

History of Career in EMS

BSB/M
Critical Care Paramedic University of Baltimore Maryland Provider
Experienced Provider, Instructor American Heart Association Instructor
ACLS Instructor, Regional Faculty American Heart Association
BCLS Instructor, Regional Faculty American Heart Association
PALS Instructor, Regional Faculty American Heart Association
ITLS Instructor, Affiliate Faculty-MO International Trauma Life Support
EPC Instructor National Association of EMT
AMLS, Instructor National association of EMT
PEPP ALS Course Coordinator American Academy of Pediatrics
Pediatric ITLS Instructor International Trauma Life Support
Advanced Stroke Life Support University of Miami Miller School Provider
Ambulance Strike TEAM/Task Force Leader

Region V Director—2 Candidates

Chris Archuleta

CEO
Superior Ambulance Service, Inc.

Candidate Statement

Last year I was voted to represent you in Region V as an Alternate to the Board of Directors. This has been a great experience working with the AAA Board of Directors. As a Director I’ve seen how much the Board of Directors are involved with issues that affect our industry, and how important it is to have active and members on the Board that are well versed with our industry.

In the past year we discussed changes and upcoming changes within our industry that affect us daily; changes in Federal regulations such as reimbursement, increased audits, and CMS expecting more and more from us as providers. Although we as an industry all feel the effects of the demands being placed upon us, I see that many of us as medium and small providers will have a difficult time trying to stay compliant while trying to stay fiscally viable. Many of us as small and medium providers live and operate within the communities we serve, and because we’re vested to our communities, we’re so entrenched and obligated to our communities that we don’t always have the time to voice our concerns to those handing down regulations that will affect our business. Therefore it’s important that we have someone representing us, someone who knows how these regulations will affect us. My concern is your concern, as many of the ambulance services in this country are small and medium sized services, and just like you, I have everyday concerns as I too am a medium sized provider, that when new regulations are handed down upon us, I wonder and worry how it will effect my business.

As your Director I want to involve myself as much as possible in voicing the concerns of our industry and how some regulation changes can affect the ambulance industry, and how the effects can impact the smaller and medium services. As I indicated above, I was elected last year as an alternate which gave me the experience to continue forward as a Director. This year I’m seeking your vote so that I can continue in representing you as a Director for Region V. Thank you for your consideration.

History of Career in EMS

I was an EMT and a paramedic between 1977 and 1986 while in the fire department, and prior to my becoming a fire investigator in the department. My role in EMS was limited until my deciding to go back into EMS in 1994 when I purchased the ambulance company I currently operate. The company I own started as a small privately owned service in NM to one of the larger private and territorial services in NM.

Paul Pedersen

Managing Partner
Arizona Ambulance Transport

Candidate Statement

I have served on the board for almost a year. I know first hand the good work the association does. I have had occasion to advocate with legislators for Medicare reform. The AAA’s work in advocating for members helps to create an environment in which we members can provide the professional services our patients deserve. The AAA offers an excellent array of services to members.

History of Career in EMS

Area General Manager for Southern Arizona, Rural/Metro Corp.
Co-founder, co-owner, Arizona Ambulance Transport.

Paul Pedersen is a graduate of the University of Arizona and holds a masters degree from St. Mary’s College of California. Pedersen is a 20 year veteran of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in Tucson, retiring as a lieutenant. He retired as a lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Army Reserve. Pedersen has worked in the private sector managing the installation of public safety radio communications systems. He was the director of Clackamas County Oregon Communications Department and was general manager of Southern Arizona for the Rural/Metro Corporation. He has held board positions with the Red Cross in Tucson, Minneapolis and Portland, Oregon. He has also served as an instructor for numerous law enforcement training courses as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency.