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Agenda And Speakers

Check out event highlights, the complete schedule, and meet our speakers.

Event Highlights

Kickoff and Welcome

Start the event with greetings and an overview from Chrissy Bartel (Kansas EMS Association) and Bill Seifarth (National Registry) to set the stage for a purposeful and engaging summit.

We are excited to share that we will host a special screening of the film Code 3 followed by a meet-and-greet with the film’s co-writer, Patrick Pianezza, on Wednesday evening, February 18. This shared viewing experience will provide an opportunity to reflect on the film’s themes and their connection to the first responder community. Following the screening, Patrick will join us for an informal conversation, offering insights into the film’s inspiration, storytelling, and writing process.

Hear from Bill Seifarth (National Registry), Maria Bianchi (American Ambulance Association), and Deb Lally (National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians) on why collaboration across agencies and associations is essential to the future of EMS.

  • Board Basics & Governance: Understand legal duties, roles, and governance essentials for boards.
  • Strategic Planning & Member Engagement: Develop actionable plans, strengthen relationships, and deliver value to members.
  • Finance, Operations & Non-Dues Revenue: Gain insights to streamline operations and expand association resources.
  • Technology & Communication Tools: Learn practical tech solutions to connect staff, board members, and members effectively.
  • Advocacy & Legislative Updates: Get timely federal policy insights from EMS advocacy leaders.

Explore workforce development, Mobile Integrated Healthcare, industry trends, and strategies for small marketing teams to amplify their association’s voice.

  • Popcorn Topics Mixer: Engage in lively idea-sharing on emerging EMS topics.
  • Evening Reception: Relax, network, and connect with peers over hors d’oeuvres and fun surprises.

National and state EMS leaders discuss future opportunities for partnership, unified advocacy, and collective impact across the industry.

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Meet Our Speakers

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Kim Godden

Vice President of Legal, Government Relations, Corporate Compliance, and Education, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc.

Kim Godden serves as the Corporate Secretary and Vice President of Legal, Government Relations, Corporate Compliance, and Education for Superior Air- Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. since 2007. Kim advocates for the emergency medical service industry in Superior Ambulance states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C., where she serves on AMBUPAC board of the American Ambulance Association and former board member. Additionally, Kim is the President of the Illinois State Ambulance Association and holds positions on IDPH EMS Advisory Council and the Indiana EMS Association. Kim started her career as a crime victim advocate serving as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), which led to a career with the IL Attorney General’s Office as Chief of the Crime Victim Services Division.

Bill Seifarth, MS, NRP, ICE-CCP

CEO & Executive Director, National Registry of EMTs

The National Registry Board of Directors appointed Bill Seifarth as the fifth Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the National Registry in August 2018. A Nationally Registered Paramedic (NRP) and an industry veteran, Seifarth brings more than 25 years of experience to the position, including emergency medical services (EMS) leadership at both the State and Federal levels and a background in managing several comprehensive certification programs.

Maria Bianchi, CAE

CEO, American Ambulance Association (AAA)

Maria Bianchi has served as the CEO of the American Ambulance Association (AAA) since 2002 and has worked in non-profit health care management for more than 30 years. She has represented the Association on several National Task Forces and Committees and currently sits as a voting member of the Federal Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency’s Emergency Services Sector. Her expertise in such areas as Board governance, strategic planning and fundraising lends itself well to working with associations of all types including individual membership organizations and trade associations.

Prior to joining AAA, Maria worked for the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America in a variety of senior management positions. She received her Bachelor of Arts and master’s degrees from George Washington University’s School of Education and Human Development.

Chris Way, BA, Paramedic

EMS Chief, Charleston County EMS & President, NAEMT

Christopher Way has been an emergency service professional for more than 33 years. Chief Way is currently EMS Chief at Charleston County EMS in South Carolina after joining the service in August 2025.  He previously served as Fire Chief to Kootenai County Fire and Rescue since May 2020 and chief officer for the Kootenai County EMS System for the previous seven years. Before his current transition to South Carolina, Chief Way went to Idaho from Kansas where he served in fire and EMS roles in urban, sub-urban, and rural settings. He was an EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and now has been a licensed paramedic since 1994 as well as a certified firefighter. Throughout his career, he has held different ranks culminating most recently in his promotion to fire chief.  He also has significant experience in disaster management at the local, state, and national level. Chris is also the current president of the National Association of EMTs (NAEMT).

Tammie Patterson

Membership Development Manager, NAEMT

Tammie Patterson is the Membership Development Manager for the National Association of EMTs (NAEMT), where she has proudly served members for more than 16 years. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies, Tammie has dedicated her career to enhancing the membership experience and supporting EMS professionals nationwide. Her journey in EMS began in 1995 as Payroll and Scheduling Specialist for AMR Central Mississippi, where she witnessed firsthand the dedication of EMTs and paramedics working long shifts in challenging conditions to serve their communities. Inspired by their commitment, Tammie developed a deep passion for EMS and has since worked tirelessly to ensure that these professionals receive the recognition, support, and loyalty they deserve.

Deb L. Lally, CAE

Executive Director, National Association of EMTs (NAEMT)

Debra L. Lally became NAEMT’s Executive Director on July 1, 2024. With nearly 20 years of association leadership, she works with the NAEMT Board to strengthen the organization’s core pillars of advocacy, education, and membership, and to expand relationships with federal leaders, state EMS affiliates, and key partners. Based in Massachusetts, Lally previously served as Executive Director/CEO of AACE International and held senior roles with the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management. She also spent a decade in scientific and medical publishing. A certified association executive since 2017, she brings deep experience in member engagement, education, strategic partnerships, and organizational management.

Terence Romator

Director of Government Affairs, Global Medical Response

Terence Ramotar serves as the Director of Government Affairs for Global Medical Response, where he oversees all government-related activities and initiatives in the Southeast United States. With over 30 years of experience in EMS Operations Management, Communications Center Management, Billing and Reimbursement Management, and Logistics Management, Ramotar has a distinguished career in the field. His extensive experience includes frontline work as a paramedic in New York, along with leadership and oversight of multiple departments. Ramotar is the president-elect of the Georgia Ambulance Providers Association, Past President of the Florida Ambulance Association, and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Ambulance Association for over 10 years. He continues to support state associations across the Southeast with legislative issues and advocacy.

Mary Napier, CCP

President & Owner, Napier Communications, Inc.

Mary Napier is the President and Owner of Napier Communications, Inc., a full-service communications and association-management firm dedicated to helping associations and nonprofits achieve their goals through strategic marketing, communications, and operational support. Since founding Napier Communications in 2005, Mary has built a reputation for delivering customized solutions that allow organizations to focus on their mission while she manages the complex details of branding, membership management, digital communications, publications, event planning, and administrative operations. With more than 20 years of experience, Mary brings a unique blend of creativity, strategy, and operational expertise to every project. Her work is marked by a client-centered approach, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering timely, effective solutions tailored to each organization’s needs. She is currently assisting the SC EMS Association as its Administration Director.

Henry Lewis

Executive Director, South Carolina EMS Association

Henry Lewis began his career in emergency services with a small, volunteer fire department in South Carolina in 1999. He quickly transitioned to the local EMS agency and gained his paramedic license in 2003, which he still maintains. As a career EMS professional, Henry has worked across all aspects of EMS to include governmental, private industry, hospital-based services, and EMS education. He served as the State EMS Coordinator for the state EMS office and in administration for the state’s largest 911 provider before transitioning to become the South Carolina EMS Association’s first Executive Director in 2021. As a working student, Henry earned his BA in Emergency Management and Masters in Healthcare Administration from Columbia College with honors.

W. Scott Gilmore, MD, FACEP, NRP

Board Chair, National Registry of EMTs and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

Scott Gilmore, MD, FACEP, EMT-P, has over 20 years of EMS experience as an EMT, Paramedic, and Educator. He is an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, and serves as Medical Director for the Saint Louis Fire Department, a physician for Missouri Disaster Response System and St. Louis Metro USAR Task Force-1, and is on the Advisory Council for Abbott EMS. A member of the National Association of EMS Physicians, Dr. Gilmore chairs its Education Committee and was awarded the 2012 John P. Pryor, MD, Street Medicine Society Award.

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