Speakers

Shawn Baird

Government Affairs Consultant, American Ambulance Association

Shawn Baird brings a unique perspective the EMS table having begun his career as a paramedic in the field then becoming the co-owner of a rural 911 ambulance service. After growing and selling that company, he became the CEO of the Metro West Family of Companies, a 1400 employee 911 and interfacility ambulance company operating in three pacific northwest states. Along the way he has served in countless leadership capacities at the local, state and federal levels. He has a wealth of experience as a government affairs expert in EMS leading to roles including Past President of the American Ambulance Association, member of the Federal Ground Ambulance Patient Billing Advisory Committee, and member of the National EMS Advisory Council.

Chrissy Bartel

Director, Norwich EMS & President, Kansas EMS Association

Chrissy Bartel is the Director of Norwich EMS in Kansas and currently serves as President of the Kansas EMS Association. With more than two decades of experience in emergency medical services, she has worked across rural and statewide systems with a strong focus on leadership development, education, peer support, and system improvement. Chrissy is passionate about strengthening EMS agencies through collaboration, innovation, and provider wellness, and she has been actively involved in initiatives including community paramedicine, regulatory advocacy, and professional development for EMS leaders. She is a dedicated advocate for Kansas EMS providers.

Ashley Bentley, MBA, CAE

Executive Director, Missouri Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians

Ashley Bentley, MBA, CAE, is a nonprofit association executive in the medical field and a certified leadership development professional. She has dedicated the bulk of her career to building and supporting the health professions workforce and to nonprofit and association management. She has formal training in Relational and Adaptive Leadership and regularly teaches and facilitates groups on leadership, change making, professional development, and team dynamics. A native of the Midwest, Ashley lives and works in the Kansas City metro area. She is passionate about supporting health professionals at every stage of their education and career. She is energized by working collaboratively to address challenges, the tougher the challenge, and the more people involved, the better. Ashley serves as executive director of the Missouri Society and the Mountain West Regional Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and is a Certified Association Executive credentialed by the American Society of Association Executives. She is a committee chair and past board member of the Kansas City Society of Association Executives. She studied at the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Graduate School of Business.

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.

Shannon Chambers

Senior Director Provider Solutions, SC Office of Rural Health/President, National Association of Rural Health Clinics

Shannon Chambers serves as the Senior Director of Provider Solutions for the South Carolina Office of Rural Health where she supports the work of the Center for Practice Transformation, Hospital Team, EMS, Data, Rural Health Clinics and the Choose Well initiative. She also serves as the board president for the National Association of Rural Health Clinics. Shannon has extensive training in leadership, collaborations, and team building.

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.

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.

Heather Harris

Executive Director, Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania

Heather Harris is the Executive Director of the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania (AAP) and has spent the majority of her professional life working in association management. She has worked for the PA Medical Society and smaller trade associations over the years before coming to the AAP. She has been with the AAP since 2006 and helped to establish the Board of Trustees for the PA EMS Provider Foundation. The AAP is the statewide trade association for ambulance services in Pennsylvania. The Foundation raises money to award grants to EMTs and AEMTs who want to further their EMS career and become paramedics.

Thornton Kirby, FACHE

President and CEO, South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA)

Thornton Kirby is the President and CEO of the South Carolina Hospital Association, a role he has held since 2005. Under Thornton’s leadership, SCHA has been an advocate for patients as well as hospitals, earning a national reputation for statewide improvements in quality and safety. South Carolina was the first state to establish “Certified Zero Harm Awards,” which are given annually to hospitals that can demonstrate at least 12 consecutive months without certain types of harm. Thornton attended the University of Virginia, where he studied government and interned for Senator Strom Thurmond. He studied law at the University of South Carolina and began his professional career as a healthcare attorney with the Nexsen Pruet law firm. After advising hospitals for several years, Thornton served as a hospital executive and later as a senior executive for Clemson University.

Curtis Kitchen, CAE

Director of Marketing, Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH)

Curtis Kitchen is the Director of Marketing for the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, a 100-percent virtual association. He has been with SSH since January 2019 after nearly six years as Director of Communications for the National Auction Association. Curtis operates with a “yes, so…how do we?” vs. “we can’t” mindset and understands making “small look big” comes down to first understanding the goal before selecting the communications and marketing tool. And, you have to be brave enough to try, repeatedly. Before association management, Curtis held roles as a public relations manager for the U.S.-based SCCA ProRally Series, a newspaper reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal, Broadcast Engineering magazine editor, and covered Kansas State athletics for Sports Radio 810 WHB and 610 Sports Radio in Kansas City. He is a past president of the Kansas City Society of Association Executives and a member of the American Society of Association Executives, where he previously served on the ASAE Research Committee’s AI Ethics Task Force.

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.

Rob Lawrence

Executive Director, California Ambulance Association

Rob Lawrence has been a leader in civilian and military EMS for thirty years. He is currently the director of strategic implementation for PRO EMS and its educational arm, Prodigy EMS, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and part-time executive director of the California Ambulance Association. He previously served as the chief operating officer of the Richmond Ambulance Authority (Virginia), which won both state and national EMS Agency of the Year awards during his 10-year tenure. Rob is a board member of the Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration ( AIMHI) as well as chair of the American Ambulance Association’s Communications Committee. He writes and podcasts for EMS1.com and is a member of the EMS World and EMS1 Editorial Advisory Board.

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.

Scott Moore, Esq.

Founding Partner, Werfel, Moore, & Kelly Law Group, L.L.P.

Scott Moore is a founding partner of Werfel, Moore, & Kelly Law Group, LLP, a national firm that advises mobile healthcare agencies on a wide range of human resources and labor law issues. He has been an active EMT for over 34 years. Scott is a licensed attorney and a certified consultant, specializing in human resources, employment law, reimbursement, and compliance issues. He is the Human Resources & Operational Consultant to the American Ambulance Association (AAA). Scott earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Salem State College and his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School. Scott maintains his EMT and is still affiliated with the fire department in his hometown in Massachusetts.

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.

Donna Newchurch

Managing Partner, Bridge Partners

Through her 10-year leadership role at the Louisiana Rural Health Association, her 17 years as CEO of the Louisiana Ambulance Alliance, and numerous volunteer positions and Board appointments, Donna Newchurch has come to recognize and appreciate the critical importance of Emergency Medical Services. She works to initiate partnerships and strategic support that allow EMS to lead and make positive change to the health of local communities. Donna also serves on several committees, boards, and advisory panels including The Inpatient Advisory Group for the CMS contracted Quality Improvement Organization in Louisiana, the Louisiana Traffic Records Coordinating Committee, the HRSA funded Rural Hospital Performance Improvement Project, the Executive Interoperable Communications Committee, the Louisiana HRSA Advisory Committee, and the Louisiana CDC Advisory Committee.

Tristan North

Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, American Ambulance Association (AAA)

Tristan North is Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the American Ambulance Association (AAA), where he leads legislative and regulatory initiatives before Congress and federal agencies. With over 25 years of experience in government affairs, Mr. North has been involved in every AAA legislative effort since joining the association in 2000. Before the AAA, he spent five years at Fleishman-Hillard representing healthcare and financial clients, including the AAA, on Capitol Hill. He began his career as a professional staff member and investigator for the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services, handling issues such as anti-counterfeiting, currency redesign, and banking system oversight.

Mr. North holds a B.S. in Finance from Babson College.

Butch Oberhoff

Senior Director of Governmental Affairs, Acadian Ambulance

Butch Oberhoff has worked in EMS since 1989, starting as an EMT and becoming a paramedic in 1991. Since that time, he has held various supervisor, leadership, and senior leadership roles. He has even taught a number of EMT classes specifically for recent high school graduates. In his current role, he serves as Acadian’s governmental affairs leader in Texas, with supporting roles in Mississippi and Tennessee. He is a founding member of the Texas EMS Alliance and served as president from 2023-2025. He is now the immediate past president.

Jamie Pafford-Gresham

President & CEO, Pafford Medical Services & President, American Ambulance Association

Jamie Pafford-Gresham is a nationally recognized EMS leader and CEO of Pafford Medical Services, one of the largest privately owned ambulance services in the U.S. With hands-on experience across every department of her family’s 58-year-old business, she now oversees multi-state operations serving more than 100 communities while ensuring high standards of care, financial stability, and strategic growth. A strong advocate for Rural EMS, Jamie has led impactful legislative efforts on ambulance reimbursement and balance billing across several states. Beyond her company, she serves as President of the American Ambulance Association, sits on multiple state ambulance boards, and holds a governor-appointed role on the Arkansas 911 Board.

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.

Kari Presley

Chief Operating Officer, Kansas EMS Association

Kari Presley, a Kansas native and Kansas State University marketing graduate, serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Kansas Emergency Medical Services Association (KEMSA). With extensive experience in association management and government affairs, she has successfully guided multiple Kansas-based organizations throughout her career. An active community leader, Kari has served on boards for CASA of Shawnee County, Junior League of Topeka, and Family Service and Guidance Center. She is a 2019 Leadership Topeka graduate and currently acts as an Alumni Advisor for Kappa Delta Sorority at K-State. In her free time, Kari loves trying new recipes, reading, traveling, enjoying live music, and cherishing moments with family and friends.

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.

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.

Kelly Watson

Marketing Director, South Carolina EMS Association (SCEMSA)

Kelly Watson is the Marketing Director for the South Carolina EMS Association, where she leads statewide marketing, communications, member engagement, and public relations initiatives. She oversees branding and strategic messaging for SCEMSA’s events, advocacy efforts, educational programs, and workforce development projects. Kelly develops outreach strategies that strengthen the association’s voice, support EMS agencies and professionals, and enhance public understanding of emergency medical services across South Carolina. With experience as an EMT, Kelly brings valuable insight into the realities of the EMS profession. Her background helps ensure SCEMSA’s messaging is accurate, supportive, and reflective of the needs of EMS personnel. She is dedicated to creating clear, consistent communication that advances the association’s mission and elevates the EMS profession statewide.

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).

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