Leadership

President and Chief Executive Officer of General Devices (GD), with a demonstrated history of working within the health care industry. Earning a Master’s Degree focused in Bio-Medical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology, Curt has become quite the Chief Protagonist of Responsive Innovation – “Learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable”

Angela Christ, MEd, is a twenty-year veteran educator who has taught students from late elementary grades through adult education. She has a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kentucky and has developed and delivered professional development programs to educators and administrators for over fifteen years.

John Clark, JD, MBA, ACP, is the Chief Operating Officer of the International Board of Specialty Certification (IBSC). He is a past-president of the International Association of Flight and Critical Care Paramedics Association (IAFCCP) and a former member of the Board of Directors of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). He is a section editor for the Air Medical Journal (AMJ) and writes a monthly feature for the AMJ on legal issues in critical care transport. His paramedic education and Baccalaureate degree are from The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences with an Executive MBA from Madison University. He also holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of New Hampshire School of Law as well as a Graduate Certificate in Health Law and Policy. Additionally, he is credentialed as a Certified Flight Paramedic (FP-C), Certified Critical Care Paramedic (CCP-C), and is a Certified Medical Transport Executive (CMTE).

Kevin is the Clinical Outcomes Manger for AirLink/VitaLink Critical Care Transport in Wilmington, NC where he oversees the program’s quality management, research, education, and simulation lab. He’s a published author with over 150 publications including 10 peer-reviewed research articles. Kevin regularly lectures at many state and national EMS and critical care medicine conferences. He was a 2014 recipient of the EMS10 Innovators in EMS award for his work developing a prehospital sepsis management program and developing the country’s first College of American Pathologists accredited prehospital point of care lab testing program. Additionally, Kevin serves on the EMSWorld Editorial Advisory board and is emeritus board member of the International Association of Flight & Critical Care Paramedics, and also serves as an advisor to the International Paramedic Registry.

Gwen Finegan is an experienced writer and consultant with expertise in the areas of strategic planning, organizational development, community input, and meeting facilitation for healthcare and other nonprofit organizations. She is a visionary who helps teams set and achieve realistic goals. Known for her scholarship and leadership of Collaborative Community Health Needs Assessments, her 2019 report is a model in Ohio for bringing together 35 hospitals and including public health departments. As an education consultant and instructor with Mobile CE, Gwen shares her knowledge and expertise with students in the Community Paramedic Clinician program. With a Degree in Strategic Organizational Leadership and ten years in healthcare administration, Gwen enjoys a faculty position at Xavier University, educating students in Health Data Management.

Sales professional with extensive experience in account and customer relationship management. Cultivates, nurtures and maintains long-term customer relationships to boost sales and grow brand visibility. Owner of Ivory- Health, LLC since August 2016. Previously worked at companies such as Medtronic, C.H. Robinson Worldwide and Minnesota Office Technology Group.

LifeFlight of Maine’s founding Executive Director and practicing paramedic, Tom Judge has volunteered for the St. George Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Association for more than 30 years. He is the former Board Chair of Maine EMS and has a wide background in the design and implementation of emergency medical care systems. Tom has offered his expertise for EMS program development in the US, Canada, France, Japan, South Africa, the UK and the Czech Republic. He is a founding board member of the Association of Critical Care. Transport and is also active with the International Helicopter Safety Symposium, a joint FAA and industry work group.

Josephine Kershaw, PhD, FACHE, is a Fulbright Scholar, Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves as dean of the Marion Carlson School of Health Professions at North Arkansas College. Dr. Kershaw obtained her PhD in social sciences and education with an emphasis on economics and her MBA with an interdisciplinary specialization in health services policy and administration. In addition to higher education and administrative experience, Kershaw’s work experience includes both government agencies and private sector institutions.

Kevin McGinnis, MPS, Paramedic Service Chief (Ret.) has been an EMS system builder since 1974. He is the communications technology advisor for five national EMS associations, and program manager for public safety communications, rural EMS and community paramedicine for the National Association of State EMS Officials. He received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Brown University and Cornell University in health care delivery systems and hospital administration. Kevin has been a paramedic, a paramedic service chief for volunteer, private, and hospital-based services, a hospital emergency department director, and Maine’s state EMS director. He is the past Chairman of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s SafeCom Program and continues to serve on its Executive Committee. Kevin is on the Governing Board of the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council and was bestowed its top honor, the Richard DeMello Award, in 2017.

Rickey Murry is an active Paramedic and Community Paramedic in Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas. As a graduate of the Hennepin Technical College, Ricky values greatly the education and collaboration gained from the Community Paramedic Clinician™ program. Founder of Branching Community Solutions (BCS), Rickey offers a newly established community health outreach organization, designed to meet health needs in his community.

“Together, we can motivate, coach, navigate and educate. Leading our patients and clients to independent health management will provide better outcomes and make a difference in health around the world.”

Michael Nolan has served Canadians through many facets of Paramedic Services. Beginning his career in 1990, as a Paramedic in Ottawa, Chief Nolan continued his studies in Toronto to become an Advanced Care and later, Critical Care Paramedic and worked in Northern Canada as a Critical Care Flight Paramedic. Chief Nolan has served as a Paramedic, Flight Paramedic, Professor, Deputy Chief of the Ottawa Paramedic Service, President of the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada, Director of Emergency Management for the City of Ottawa and is currently the Director and Chief of the Paramedic Service for the County of Renfrew. Since working as a frontline clinician, Chief Nolan has worked tirelessly to advance and align emergency services leadership locally, nationally and internationally through research, government relations, policy development and the creation of standards for all emergency services.

Dennis Russell, M.Ed., ATC, CSCS, NRP, CP, began his career as a Certified Athletic Trainer in 1999 at the University of Maine and later at Bowdoin College. Dennis is the Dean for United’s Accredited Education Department and Community Paramedicine Program Manager for United Ambulance Service in Maine. Dennis also works as a Community Paramedic with SmartCare at Cataldo Ambulance Service in Massachusetts. Dennis currently serves on the Maine Ambulance Association Executive Board, MobileCE Executive Board, ReelDx Editorial Board, Maine EMS Board, Maine EMS Community Paramedicine Committee, and Maine EMS Education Committee. Dennis currently serves as the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians Education Coordinator for Maine.

Benjamin Santillan serves as Captain with the Phoenix Fire Department, holding multiple positions as the Public Information Officer, Recruitment & Training Officer, Hazardous Technician, Tox-Medic, Terrorism Liaison Officer and Out of Class Battalion Chief. “Being a paramedic is an important role and responsibility I hold dear to my heart. We make life and death decisions and work with amazing people. My career has also given me the ability to give to my family a life I dreamed of as a child. Life is truly a blessing.” While completing a bachelors’ degree in business and masters in emergency management, Benjamin finds time to hold a position on the Global Paramedic Higher Education Council (GPHEC) and oversee the Paramedic Network™ educational programs for our Spanish community.

Dudley Smith, MSHPA, CMTE, CMEP, is Associate Executive Director of the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) and has served as a program director for an air and ground critical care service for twenty-five years. He has a Master’s degree in Health Planning and Administration from the University of Cincinnati and has been involved in emergency medical services and emergency management for over forty years.

Tim Stairs serves as the Secretary Treasurer on the Executive of the Paramedic Association of Canada. A Paramedic for 10 years now, He currently works full time as a flight medic for Ambulance New Brunswick, stationed on a remote island about an hour off the south coast of New Brunswick, Canada. Tim is also the Deputy Director /Deputy Registrar for the Paramedic Association of New Brunswick, one of three self-regulated paramedic colleges in Canada. In response to the rising demand for paramedic services at various community events, Tim formed New Brunswick Paramedic Services and presently serves as its Chief Financial Officer.

Wayne Turner, offers a career in Emergency Medical Services of over 50 years, is currently an EMS Educator for Cincinnati Fire Department in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a Paramedic and EMS Instructor for the state of Ohio, Wayne has instructed EMS students from First Responder, EMT, Advanced EMT, through Paramedic Certifications. Wayne is a well-known name in Ohio EMS education, as he has contributed to programs found at Butler Tech, Warren Country Career Center, Cincinnati State, and Cincinnati Fire Department. He is currently teaching his 45th Paramedic class, producing the “street smart” EMT and Paramedic.

Tom Charlton, MD, MHSA, FACEP, FAEMS, is board certified in emergency medicine and in EMS. He has been awarded Fellow status by the American College of Emergency Physicians and the National Association of EMS Physicians. He serves on the Paramedic Network international medical advisory board and is the regional director of EMS for US Acute Care Solutions in Cincinnati, Ohio. He offers his expertise as the medical director for multiple agencies, educational programs and is the assistant program director, and an assistant professor of emergency medicine for Central Michigan University School of Medicine EMS Fellowship Program. Tom holds a great passion for his areas of focus, offering significant contributions for rural EMS and medical informatics.

Dr. Tim Henehan, DVM, is a board-certified Veterinary Medicine Physician of over 30 years and founder of Henehan Veterinary Hospital located in Loveland, Ohio. Providing families in the Greater Cincinnati Area with a wide range of veterinary services from preventative health through today’s most innovative advanced techniques of invasive procedures, care is provided both in-clinic and within the comfort of the family home.

Adjunct Associate Professor Paul Jennings, BNur, GradCertAdvNsg, AdvDipMICAStud, GCHPE, GradCertBiostats, MClinEpi, PhD, FACPara, is a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance Paramedic with Ambulance Victoria (AV) and is currently the Regional Improvement Lead for the Barwon South West Region. He holds an adjunct associate professor appointment in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine and the Department of Paramedicine, Monash University and is a Member of the Emergency Care Clinical Network INSIGHT committee. Paul is currently a Clinical Advisor and Authorised Panel Member to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency’s Board of Paramedicine. Paul’s research interests include clinical epidemiology, acute and persistent pain, out-of-hospital resuscitation and evidence based practice. He holds a Masters in Clinical Epidemiology and a PhD in epidemiology where he examined the epidemiology and management of pain in the prehospital setting. Paul has authored over 60 peer reviewed publications, 2 clinical practice guidelines and 5 book chapters. His areas of interest include: Critical Care; Resuscitation; Trauma management; Pain Management; Evidence Based Practice.

Kim Litwack, PhD RN APNP FAAN, is the Dean of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In addition, she is a practicing Family Nurse Practitioner. She has over 30 years of teaching and academic administration experience. She coordinated the creation of a Community Paramedic educational program in Wisconsin. She serves on the state task force for Community Paramedics, and helped support the change in practice scope for Community Paramedics at the state level.

Michael Petro, MD, FACS, has served in the medical community in multiple roles. He has been a medic, a general and trauma surgeon, an instructor for critical care transport and developed a series of courses for the US military to enhance far-forward and pre-hospital medical care. Mike retired from the Air Force after nearly a decade of Level 1 trauma experience and currently oversees a Level 3 trauma and emergency general surgery program for TriHealth; Bethesda North Hospital.

Joel Pranikoff MD is the Medical Director for Quality and Patient Safety for TriHealth Women’s Services, a Laborist, and faculty member for the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Training Program. Dr. Pranikoff earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and completed his residency at Good Samaritan Hospital. Dr. Pranikoff supervises the residents on L&D at Bethesda North and on L&D and the High Risk Service at Good Samaritan Hospital. Dr. Pranikoff also serves as an EMS Medical Director and EMS Instructor. He is the EMS Medical Director for GE Aerospace as well as several local fire departments. Dr. Pranikoff participates in the development of pre-hospital care protocols and has written the protocol for emergency deliveries used by the region’s EMS providers. Dr. Pranikoff is certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support by the American College of Surgeons and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is a member of the National Association of EMS Physicians, a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG) and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). Dr. Pranikoff has been recognized for his work with the FBI and was the recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award.

Dr. James Schrichten, MD, CPE, serves as the Medical Director of Good Samaritan Hospital Emergency Department and offers over 19 years in the specialty of Emergency Medicine. He earned his undergraduate degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio and completed his residency at University of St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio. In addition, Dr. Schrichten is the Medical Director for Patient Transport Services, Pierce Township EMS and serves as Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board for the Paramedic Network™.

Dr. Graham Smith, MD, is a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Michigan. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Michigan, obtaining a degree in History and Classical Studies. Dr. Smith then worked as an EMT and Paramedic while also teaching in the community through the American Red Cross. These experiences developed his interest and commitment to emergency medicine and pre-hospital care. He attended medical school at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and then returned to the University of Michigan for residency. After residency, Dr. Smith completed a fellowship in Emergency Medical Services at the University of New Mexico. In August of 2018, he joined the faculty at the University of Michigan Department of Emergency Medicine to continue pursuing his interests related to the field of EMS. Dr. Smith is involved with the Washtenaw/Livingston Medical Control Authority and he looks forward to ongoing collaborations with both his emergency medicine colleagues in the hospital and EMS colleagues in the field.

Dr. Adarsh Srivastava, MD, Director of Critical Care Services at Piedmont Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, is board certified emergency medicine, internal medicine and critical care. In practice for over 10 years, Adarsh specializes in multidisciplinary critical care medicine and is experienced in cardiac critical care, neurological critical care, trauma/surgical critical care, obstetric critical care, oncological critical care, critical care transport, sepsis, emergency medicine, internal medicine/hospitalist medicine and medical education.

Keith Tenhundfeld, MSN, RN, FNP, NREMT, CCRN, FMCSA-MEC, is a nurse practitioner in 3 Urgent Cares in the Greater Cincinnati Area. He offers extensive experience as a registered nurse in emergency medicine, intensive care medicine, and critical care transport medicine of over 24 years, recently practicing as a Critical Care Transport Nurse for the Cincinnati area. He offers unique experiences in cardiac transplantation, bone marrow transplantation, and perinatal education. Keith has dedicated his life to helping others, believing that personal learning benefits those we serve. He has advanced his education throughout his career and provides advanced practice nursing to the community. Keith enjoys rock-climbing, mountain biking, playing Ultimate Frisbee with his children, and being an active member in his parish.

Mike Wilcox, MD is a Board-Certified Family Practice Physician who has practiced in rural Minnesota for 38 years. He serves as the Coordinator for the Emergency Care Plus Program for North Memorial Medical Center in Minneapolis, as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency & Family Medicine at the University of Minnesota and is Medical Director for both Rural EMS Services and the Community Paramedic Program at Hennepin Technical College. An early architect of Community Paramedicine, Dr. Wilcox offers clinical skills training and oversight, CME/curriculum development, the development of policy and protocol, outcome analysis and quality assurance initiatives.  Also, a national conference speaker, Mike is a gifted ambassador of Community Paramedicine.

Dr. Chis Zammit, MD, is Medical Director for the TriHealth Stroke & Neuro ICU and Neurologic Emergencies, located at Bethesda North and Good Samaritan Hospitals. In conjunction with our Clinical Nurse Leader, I am responsible for the oversight of the accreditation of our stroke centers and the care for patients with acute neurologic emergencies throughout TriHealth’s system of care, while directing stroke and neurointensive care services at our flagship Neurosciences hospital, Good Samaritan.

Founder of Paramedic Health Solutions™, and the Paramedic Network™, National Curriculum and Career Pathway for Community Paramedicine™, the Global Paramedic Higher Education Council™, Global Paramedic Academia Consortium for Higher Education™, Community Partners™ and Medical Transport Resources™, leading the development of the paramedic profession globally. Recognized by the Journal of Emergency Medical Services as a “Top 10 Innovators in EMS” and by the Ohio Organization of Nurse Executives for “Nurse Leadership and Aspiring Nurse Leader.” Serves on the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (NEMSAC), Association of Critical Care Transport Board (ACCT), American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) Greater Cincinnati Chapter Board, The Paramedic Foundation Advisory Board, Hennepin Technical College Advisory Board. mary.ahlers@paramedichs.org

Al Serves as the Community Paramedicine Program Chair for Hennepin Technical College. As a graduate of Mankato State University, Al began his EMS career as an EMT for Stillwater Ambulance, continuing as an advanced practice Paramedic in ALS, Critical Care on ambulances, fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft. In 2007 he joined the Faculty at Hennepin Technical College while continuing his paramedicine practice. Al became one of the first licensed Community Paramedics in the world when graduating from the only recognized community paramedicine collegiate program in 2009. He is a well-known author of several EMS texts and as a co-author of Community Health Paramedicine, a Community Paramedic text distributed by Jones & Bartlett internationally. al.benney@mobilece.org

Dr. Jim Chinn also known as “Coach Chinn” has spent 36 years coaching and teaching at Grove City College, Blackburn College, and Denison University. During this time, he has produced numerous All-Conference Players, an All-American and his teams have set multiple school and NCAA records. Dr. Chinn has presented at numerous clinics and workshops on all aspects of football and coaching and he has served on the American Football Coaches Association Honors Committee for many years. Dr. Chinn has a Doctorate Degree in Education in Instructional Leadership from Argosy University Sarasota, a Master’s Degree in Education from Norwich University, and a Bachelor’s Degree from The Ohio State University. In his spare time, Dr. Chinn enjoys running and spending time with this family. He has been married to his wife Renee for 25 years. They have two children: twins Carter and Chloe. jim.chinn@paramedicnetwork.org

Gina is a solutions-based sales and marketing director working with organizations and individuals to create and capitalize on business collaboration. She connects the right people to the right resources, developing industry synergies and providing value for the organizations. Relationships and customer centric service are her top priority. Listening, creative problem solving, research, data analyzation and assessing market trends allows Gina to develop trusted partnerships and identify new opportunities. gina.christ.kohler@paramedicnetwork.org

Robert is a co-founder and active partner of Creative Elements Group and has more than 15 years of experience in providing design, development and consulting services to business of all sizes around the world. Robert is directly involved in client services and specializes in user experience, creative direction, graphic design, web development, illustration, and project management. Robert’s current activities include service on the Board of Directors for Mobile CE as the acting CTO. When he is not working with a client on a project you will find him spending time at home in Dayton, Ohio with his beautiful wife and three children. He is a 1999 Honors Graduate from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communications and Design. robert.feltner@paramedicnetwork.org

Trent Goetz is a 25-year veteran of business management, an entrepreneur specializing in business and tax accounting and a graduate of the University of Akron. Trent is the chief executive officer of Trenton W. Goetz, LLC., and oversees the internal accounting process for the organizations within the Paramedic Network™. Off season priorities and time away from work focus on enjoying family, friends and his unique aquarium hobby.

Anne Montera, MHL, RN, BSN, has over 20 years of nursing experience in public health, labor and delivery, patient safety/quality improvement and EMS coordination in urban and rural hospitals and community settings. In her current role as a public health nurse consultant, she works in grant coordination and implementation for various projects, assisting with program development and statewide stakeholder engagement. She is the cocreator and public health partner for the first national community paramedic pilot program in Eagle, CO. Montera is also the executive director for the Central Mountains RETAC, representing the rural, remote and tourist regions of Colorado. She has been a leader in the CP curriculum, leading a team of experts in developing the 3.0 version in 2012, coordinating the California CP statewide course and currently leading the team to develop the CP National Standard Curriculum. She received the Colorado Nightingale Luminary Award for Innovation work on the Colorado CP program in May 2011. Montera was appointed to the National EMS Advisory Council and is serving her first term in the vice-chair position, representing public health. anne.montera@gpache.org

Dr. Peter O’Meara is an internationally recognized expert on paramedicine models of care and education and was one of the first paramedics in the world to complete a doctoral qualification researching paramedicine. Dr O’Meara is an Adjunct Professor at Monash University in the Department of Community Emergency Health & Paramedic Practice and a Director of the Global Higher Paramedic Education Council. Peter is available for consulting through Paramedicine Consulting. Dr O’Meara’s research has focused on the delivery of paramedic services in rural settings and the development of paramedic extended scope-of-practice roles. A specific focus in recent years has been in the evolution of community paramedicine, while he has also undertaken research projects related to volunteer ambulance systems. In essence, his research has contributed toward the emergence of paramedicine as a health profession in Australia and other parts of the world. Peter has published one book, ten book chapters, over 70 peer-reviewed papers and many other publications. peter.omeara@gphec.org

Gary is a Quality Coordinator for a Minnesota ambulance service and he is President of The Paramedic Foundation. Gary chairs the International Roundtable on Community Paramedicine and is a former Minnesota state EMS director. wingrove@paramedicfoundation.org