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2025 EMSNext Recipients Announced

Written by Samantha Hilker on . Posted in 40 Under 40, Awards, News.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Samantha Hilker
Sr. Director of Strategic Initiatives
shilker@ambulance.org

American Ambulance Association Announces 2025 EMSNext Winners

Washington, D.C. – The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to recognize its third 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 16 outstanding individuals from 10 states join a growing network of 54 EMSNext program alumni poised to assume prominent leadership roles in the profession.

“We are incredibly proud to welcome the 2025 class of EMSNext,” said AAA President Jamie Pafford-Gresham. “Their passion, dedication, and leadership inspire us all and promise a brighter, more resilient future for EMS. Together, they will stand at the forefront of mobile healthcare excellence for patients across the nation—now and in the future.”

  • Oluwafemi “Daniel” Adebisi | Commercial Project Manager, Falck USA | California
  • Nancy Chustz | Communications Operations Manager, Acadian Ambulance Service | Louisiana
  • Rebekah Cummings | Operations Coordinator, Acadian Ambulance Service | Louisiana
  • Cassandra Ewig-Bruss | Scheduling Coordinator, Bell Ambulance | Wisconsin
  • Ryan Felshaw |  Operations Manager, MedicWest Ambulance | Nevada
  • Damian Gonzales | Deputy Director of Operations, Mecklenburg EMS Agency (MEDIC) | North Carolina
  • Gavin James Hall | Education & Quality Manager, Pafford Emergency Medical Services, Inc. | Louisiana
  • William Hardy | Critical Care Paramedic, American Medical Response | Tennessee
  • Matthew Herman | Data Analyst, Costal Medical Transportation Services | Massachusetts
  • Michael Kaduce | Director, Falck Health Institute | California
  • Matthew Lewis | EMT Supervisor, Bell Ambulance | Wisconsin
  • Amanda McQuistian | Operations Director, Lifecare Medical Transport | Virginia
  • Shane Ryan | Administrative Operations Manager, Falck | California
  • Maeve Shannahan | Emergency Medical Technician, Grady Emergency Medical Services | Georgia
  • Heather Stenbroten | Administrative Director, Gold Cross Ambulance Service, Inc. | Wisconsin
  • Heather Zimmerman | CFO & HR Manager, Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC & Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc.| Connecticut

2025 EMSNext honorees receive complimentary registration to the American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show in Lexington, KY June 22-24. They will be recognized at the conference’s opening keynote address on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in addition to participating in a collaborative workshop focused on solving the biggest challenges in out-of-hospital care.

“The EMSNext program is an investment in the future of our profession,” adds Pafford-Gresham. “By fostering leadership and innovation, we are strengthening EMS from the ground up, ensuring our communities continue to receive the highest quality emergency medical care.”

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.

2024 EMSNext Recipients Announced

Written by Samantha Hilker on . Posted in Awards, News.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Samantha Hilker
Director of Strategic Initiatives
shilker@ambulance.org

American Ambulance Association Announces 2024 EMSNext Winners

Washington D.C. – The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to announce the 2024 EMSNext Award Winners. This initiative shines a light on EMS’ emerging leaders, encouraging them to expand their horizons and skill sets by diving into the unique leadership programs, opportunities, and events offered by the AAA. EMSNext is more than an award; it’s a gateway for these promising individuals to connect, grow, and lead the future of emergency medical services.

“We’re thrilled to honor our 2024 EMSNext Award Winners,” says AAA President Randy Strozyk. “This is our chance to back the upcoming leaders who’ll shape the future of EMS. Their drive and innovative ideas inspire us all.”

Todd Cornett II | Chief of Field Operations, Jan-Care Ambulance, Inc. | Ghent, WV

Scott Dekas | Division Manager of Operations, Falk Northern California |Hayward, CA

Josh Duffy |  Procurement Manager, REMSA Health | Reno, NV

Tyanie Gordon  | Federal and National Services Clinical Director, Global Medical Response | Tucson, AZ

Elisabeth Handgraaf |  Education & Training Coordinator, Critical Care Paramedic, Bell Ambulance, Inc. | Milwaukee, WI

Sean Lyons  | Director of Mobile Integrated Health Services, Medically Home | CT

Casey McBeath | Director of Communications and Technology, Balentine Ambulance Service, Inc. | Shreveport, LA

Gibson McCullagh | Chief Operating Officer, Pro EMS | Cambridge, MA

Alex Pafford |  Louisiana Director of Operations, Pafford EMS – Ruston | Ruston, LA

Marco Patino |  Education Manager, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. |  IL

Nick Romenesko |  Operations Director, Gold Cross Ambulance | Menasha, WI

Mark Selapack  | Division Manager – Operations, Falk Mobile Health | San Diego, CA

Brandon Trauba |  Operations Manager, Lakes Region EMS | Stacy, MN

Adam Valine | District Chief, M Health Fairview | New Brighton, MN

Michelle Whennen | Revenue Cycle Manager, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. | Elmhurst, IL

Scott Willits | Director of Mobile Integrated Health Strategy, Medically Home | OR

Austin Wingate | Deputy Chief, Grand County EMS | Littleton, CO

Thomas Wobby |  Operations Manager, Pro EMS | Cambridge, MA

The winners will receive complimentary registration to the American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show in Nashville, TN April 22-24. They will also be recognized at our opening keynote address on Monday, April 22, 2024.

“EMSNext is a cornerstone for nurturing the talents that will carry EMS into tomorrow,” shares Strozyk. “It’s about recognizing and empowering those who dare to innovate and lead in our field.”

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.

Nominations Open for the Vanguard Awards & EMS Next! 🏆🚑

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Awards.

Celebrate EMS Excellence

Nominations are Open Now for Vanguard & EMSNext Awards

Vanguard and EMS Next honorees will be recognized at the American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show, as well as on the AAA website 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

Nominations close January 1, 2024.
However, capacity is limited, so early submission is encouraged.

Nominate A Vanguard
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.
Nominate An EMSNext
Know a younger and/or diverse rising leader? Nominations are open for the EMSNext recognition and development program!

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.

2023 EMSNext Recipients Announced

Written by Samantha Hilker on . Posted in Awards.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Samantha Hilker
Director of Strategic Initiatives
shilker@ambulance.org

American Ambulance Association Announces 2023 EMSNext Winners

Washington D.C. – The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to announce the 2023 EMSNext Award Winners. This initiative shines a light on EMS’ emerging leaders, encouraging them to expand their horizons and skill sets by diving into the unique leadership programs, opportunities, and events offered by the AAA. EMSNext is more than an award; it’s a gateway for these promising individuals to connect, grow, and lead the future of emergency medical services.

“We are excited to celebrate the 2023 EMSNext Award recipients,” shared AAA President Randy Strozyk. “This recognition highlights our commitment to supporting the next generation of EMS leaders. Their passion and forward-thinking ideas are a source of inspiration for our entire community.”

Sarah Baker | Project Manager, Global Medical Response | Surprise, AZ

Suzanne Barham | Director of Public Relations, Pafford Medical Services, Inc. |Hope, AR

Bradley Baucom |  Senior Program Director, Global Medial Response | Lufkin, TX

Josh Brumwell  | Chief Operating Officer, Patient Care EMS – South Dakota | Sioux Falls, SD

Peter Carlson|  Chief of Paramedicine, Medically Home | Boston, MA

John Casey  | Vice President of Operations, Coastal Medical Transportation | Wilmington, MA

Julian Dewberry | Director Business Development, Falk USA | South Pasadena, CA

Lance Hester | Deputy Chief of EMS Operations, American Medical Response | Atlanta, GA

Chase Hodges |  General Manager of Illinois Operations, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. | Elmhurst, IL

Allison Infinger |  Performance Improvement Manager, Mecklenburg EMS Agency |  Charlotte, NC

Stacey Jordan |  Operations Manager, Global Medical Response | Mound Ridge, KS

Tisha Kalich  | Operations Coordinator, Acadian Ambulance Service | Austin, TX

Anthony Maneri |  President, TriCare Medical Transportation | Pleasantville, NJ

Lydia McCrary | EMS Deputy Chief/Paramedic, Chatham Emergency Service/Mercy Ambulance Service | Savannah, GA

Naoko Miyamoto | Head of People and Culture, Falk USA | Orange, CA

Viktoriya Monosova | Manager, Operations, Training & Education, Northwell Health Center for EMS | New Hyde Park, NY

Randy Murry | Director of Mississippi Operations, Pafford Medical Service, Inc. | Hope, AR

Keisha Sparks |  Operations Manager, Acadian Ambulance | Lafayette, LA

Page Thoreson | Revenue Cycle Manager, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. | Grove City, OH

Jenny Walters | Manager, Center for Integrated Health and Community Education, REMSA Health | Reno, NV

Kyle Wolber | Director of Logistics, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. | Elmhurst, IL

The winners will receive complimentary registration to the American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show in Las Vegas, NV June 26-28. They will also be recognized at our opening keynote address on Monday, June 26, 2023.

“EMSNext serves as a vital platform for cultivating the talent that will drive the future of EMS,” says Strozyk. “It’s about celebrating and equipping those who have the vision and courage to lead and innovate in our industry.”

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.

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