GEMSA Board of Director Candidates 2026

Please read the biographical information below about the candidates and why they want to be on the board or elected as a division president. You will get to vote for TWO at-large candidates and 1 president in your division.  See more voting instructions on the bottom of this page.

Voting closes on September 30, 2026, so vote today!  

If you have questions or problems logging in, contact Cathy White, GEMSA Operations Chief.

(All candidates in alphabetical order by last name)

Directors Division - President Candidate

Robby Hill, Atrium Health Floyd EMS (incumbent)

I have dedicated more than 34 years to Emergency Medical Services and is a respected leader and advocate for EMS across the State of Georgia. Currently I serve as Associate Director of Atrium Health Floyd EMS, I have spent 18 years with Floyd EMS following 16 years of service with Bartow County Fire & EMS. Throughout my career, I have remained focused on advancing clinical excellence, operational efficiency, workforce development, and patient-centered care.   I have been actively involved with the Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association (GEMSA) for over a decade, serving on the Board of Directors for 10 years. My leadership includes six years as President of the Directors Division and four years as Vice President, where I have worked to represent EMS leaders, strengthen professional relationships, and advocate for policies that support the growth and success of EMS throughout Georgia.   Beyond GEMSA, I serve as a board member of the Chattooga Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Northwestern Technical College EMS Advisory Board, helping guide EMS education and future workforce development. I am guided by faith, integrity, and collaboration while maintaining a servant leadership focus, I remain committed to ensuring that Georgia EMS agencies, leaders, and providers have a strong voice and the resources needed to meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.  I respectfully seek your support for re-election as President of the GEMSA Directors Division. 

Educators Division - President Candidates

Jeff Adams, Habersham County Emergency Services (incumbent)

I have served in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) since 1993 and currently serve as the EMS Director and Fire Chief for Habersham County Emergency Services.    As a dedicated advocate for EMS education and professional development, I have served on the Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association (GEMSA) Board of Directors since 2000 and have served as President of the GEMSA Educators Division since 2022. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to advancing the EMS profession through leadership, education, and mentorship.    For 15 years, I instructed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) courses at North Georgia Technical College, helping prepare hundreds of EMS professionals for careers in emergency services. Building on that commitment to workforce development, I established and now serve as Program Director for the Habersham County EMS Academy. The academy was created to provide high-quality EMS education for local first responders while developing and preparing new employees for successful careers with Habersham County Emergency Services.    With more than three decades of experience in EMS, fire service leadership, and education, I remain committed to improving patient care, strengthening the emergency services workforce, and promoting excellence in emergency medical education throughout Georgia.

Sam Haag, SGMC Health

I started working in EMS in 2003 and obtained my paramedic license in 2006.  Since then I have filled a variety of roles such as Field Training Officer, shift lieutenant, flight paramedic, Training Captain, and now Assistant Chief of EMS Training.  Over the last few years, I have worked with my administration and team to grow our training center into a regional training center, providing education for any provider.  As a board member, I want to give back to GEMSA and its members.  I would not have been the same provider had it not been for the excellent resources GEMSA has invested in me, most recently with the Leadership Class, and want to make sure everyone can have that same opportunity.

Medical Directors Division - President Candidate

Dr. Mark Waterman, Clayton County Fire & ES (incumbent)

I have been an Emergency Medicine physician since 1981 and practiced in Atlanta at Atlanta Medical Center until 2022. I have worked with local EMS and Fire agencies for the last 20 years, including Atlanta Fire Rescue and currently with Clayton County Fire and Emergency Services.   My passion is bringing knowledge to first responders and improving the care to the patients we serve.  GEMSA Board members have the unique ability to improve care statewide and I am very grateful that I am even considered for this position. 

Providers Division - President Candidates

Bengie Cowart, Chatham EMS (incumbent)

Dear Members of the GEMSA Providers Division,    I am honored to announce my candidacy for President of the Providers Division of the Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association (GEMSA). Having had the privilege of serving on the GEMSA Board for the past 13 years, I remain committed to advancing our profession and helping guide the continued growth and success of our organization.    For the past 39 years, I have dedicated my career to Emergency Medical Services and currently serve as EMS Chief for Chatham EMS in Savannah, Georgia. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience in every aspect of EMS, including clinical operations, administration, workforce development, education, financial management, and community engagement. These experiences have prepared me to provide thoughtful, collaborative leadership while advocating for EMS providers across Georgia.    One accomplishment I am particularly proud of is GEMSA’s successful achievement of CAPCE Accreditation. This milestone significantly expanded our ability to provide high-quality continuing education, strengthening GEMSA’s educational footprint not only throughout Georgia but also across multiple states. Achieving this required collaboration, strategic planning, and persistence, and it demonstrated what can be accomplished when we work together toward a common goal.    Throughout my service on the Board, I have worked to build consensus, encourage collaboration, and foster a culture that values professionalism, innovation, and continuous improvement. I believe strong organizations are built through teamwork, transparency, and a willingness to embrace new ideas while remaining focused on our mission.    If elected President of the Providers Division, one of my highest priorities will be continuing GEMSA’s efforts to establish a meaningful EMS retirement solution. This initiative is deeply important to me because our EMS professionals deserve the opportunity to retire with the dignity and security they have earned through decades of dedicated service. I will also continue advocating for provider education, workforce development, legislative initiatives, and strengthening the voice of EMS throughout Georgia.    It would be an honor to continue serving the members of GEMSA in this leadership role. I believe my experience, commitment, and passion for our profession have prepared me to lead the Providers Division while ensuring our association remains strong, forward-thinking, and focused on the needs of its members.    Thank you for your consideration and your continued commitment to EMS in Georgia. I respectfully ask for your support and would be honored to earn your vote.    Please feel free to contact me at 912-272-0335 or bcowart@chathames.org if you have any questions or would like to discuss my candidacy.

Brandon Owenby, Central EMS

Current operations supervisor for Central EMS, many years at Grady EMS, as well at Hall County Fire Services. Been in EMS since I graduated high-school, 21+ years. I want to be apart of positive change and making EMS more modern and up to date to better assist our providers. 

AT-LARGE CANDIDATES (You will vote for two.)

Paul Beamon, Gilmer County Fire/Rescue

I am seeking an at-large position on the GEMSA Board of Directors because Georgia EMS needs experienced leadership that understands both frontline operations and the difficult work of building sustainable systems.    I serve as EMS Chief for Gilmer County Fire Rescue and bring more than 30 years of experience across rural, urban, fire-based, hospital-based, county, and private EMS. I have led complex organizations, managed workforce and financial challenges, and helped develop and launch a regional prehospital blood program serving rural communities.    I previously served GEMSA as President of the Directors Division. That experience gave me a practical understanding of the Board’s responsibilities, the competing needs of agencies across Georgia, and the discipline required to move from discussion to action. I will bring stronger operational experience, a broader perspective, and a clear commitment to doing the work.    I am also a published EMS author whose articles in EMS1 and FireRescue1 address leadership, workforce, system design, and the future of the profession.    My priorities are workforce stability, rural EMS sustainability, reimbursement, provider development, clinical innovation, and stronger statewide collaboration. I am not seeking a title. I am seeking the opportunity to serve, contribute, and help GEMSA produce measurable progress for Georgia EMS.   

Brad Cothran, Piedmont Cartersville

I bring more than 25 years of dedicated service to emergency medical services, trauma care, injury prevention, and community outreach. I currently serve as an EMT with Bartow County EMS for 23 years before transitioning to a role focused on injury prevention, safety, and community/EMS outreach for two years prior to retirement from BCEMS.  Following retirement, I continued my commitment to EMS and trauma care as an EMS Liaison and Injury Prevention Coordinator for a Level III Trauma Program, strengthening collaboration between prehospital providers, hospital teams, and community partners.  I currently serve as Chair of the Region 1 Trauma Advisory Council (RTAC) and remain actively engaged in regional EMS initiatives.  My service includes membership on the Region 1 EMS Council, Region 1 EMS Awards Committee, and Region 1 501(c)(3) Committee.  Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to advancing EMS, supporting first responders, improving injury prevention, and strengthening the connection between EMS agencies, healthcare organizations, and the communities where I serve. 

Rich Elliott, Columbia Southern University (incumbent)

Hello everyone, my name is Richard Elliott, and I am seeking re-election to an At-Large position on the Georgia EMS Association Board of Directors. It has been an honor to serve during my first term, and I appreciate the opportunity to continue representing EMS professionals across our state.    I have dedicated more than 30 years to EMS in Georgia, serving in public, private, and hospital-based systems. My career has also included experience in EMS education, teaching in collegiate programs, fire service training academies, and continuing education programs. I retired from Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services after a 25-year career and currently serve as a full-time professor with Columbia Southern University while continuing to educate EMS providers through GEMSA's continuing education programs, conference, and events.    Throughout my career, I have been privileged to serve on numerous committees and initiatives focused on strengthening Georgia EMS. As a board member, I remain committed to listening to providers and educators from every corner of Georgia, advocating for practical solutions, supporting high-quality education, and helping advance our profession through collaboration, innovation, and common-sense leadership. I would be honored to earn your continued trust and support. Thank you for your consideration and your vote.

Chris Fitzwater, Atrium Health, Navicent

John C. Fitzwater, BSHA, CEM, CP-C, NREMT-P, serves as Manager of the Transport Services (NET) Division and Interim Manager of the Communications Division for Atrium Health Navicent EMS. He has been a nationally registered and Georgia-licensed Paramedic since 2001 and maintains additional paramedic certifications in Alabama and Pennsylvania. John completed the Georgia EMS Leadership Program in 2025 and holds a Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, an Associate's degree in Emergency Management, and an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice.    John's service to EMS spans more than two decades and includes roles in EMS operations, communications, emergency management, hospital-based EMS leadership, community paramedicine, and workforce development. His career includes service to the United States Army, emergency management leadership within Georgia healthcare systems, and support of U.S. and NATO forces as a remote paramedic in Afghanistan.    As a leader with Atrium Health Navicent EMS, John created and currently leads the Non-Emergency Transport Division, which has successfully developed new EMS professionals through multiple EMT training cohorts and continues to support the growth of future EMS leaders.    John seeks to serve on the GEMSA Board to advocate for EMS professionals, strengthen leadership development, and help advance a collaborative vision for EMS across Georgia.

Dr. Karen Beasley Grabenstein, Community Health Systems (incumbent)

Since 2011, I have had the honor of serving on the Georgia EMS Association (GEMSA) Board of Directors, most recently as At-Large Vice Chair. My tenure is defined by a steadfast commitment to advocating for EMS professionals and advancing our profession across Georgia. Currently serving as the Corporate Director of EMS Relations/Business Development for Community Health Systems, I bring extensive strategic planning and operational experience to the board.   My primary goal remains narrowing the gap between prehospital care and acute facilities, ensuring seamless transitions that benefit all patients. I am seeking re-election to continue this critical work and build upon the progress we have achieved together so far. I remain deeply invested in our mission to develop educational programs, facilitate vital liaison activities, and improve the state's EMS System. Having served for 15 years, I am eager to apply my experience toward our future strategic goals, ensuring that our members have the necessary resources and support to excel in an evolving landscape. I am fully committed to continuing to advocate, collaborate, and work diligently to move the EMS industry forward.   I am deeply honored to ask for your support in continuing my service to GEMSA  and our members. 

Willie Kee, Union City Fire and ES

I currently serve as Captain and EMS Coordinator for Union City Fire & Emergency Services, where I have the privilege of supporting our providers through education, leadership, and operational improvement. Throughout my career as a paramedic, EMS educator, and leader, I have learned that our profession is strongest when we listen to one another, share ideas, and work together toward common goals.     I believe every member deserves to have a voice, regardless of agency size, location, or role within EMS. I want to help strengthen communication between GEMSA and its membership, encourage professional development, and support initiatives that improve patient care while investing in the people who provide it.     I don't claim to have all the answers, but I will bring a willingness to listen, collaborate, and work hard on behalf of our members. My goal is to represent the profession with integrity, humility, and transparency while helping ensure that Georgia EMS continues to move forward together.

Kevin Locke, Barrow County Fire Department

I have dedicated more than 30 years to Emergency Medical Services, serving in a variety of clinical, educational, and leadership roles. I currently serve as Captain of EMS Operations for Barrow County Fire Department, where I help oversee EMS operations, policy development, personnel, training, and coordination with regional and state EMS partners. My career has also included service as a flight paramedic with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and as a lead EMS instructor at Lanier Technical College.    I have been actively involved with GEMSA as both a member and instructor, teaching Axioms of Leadership and EMS skills labs. I also serve on the Region 10 EMS Council and Region 10 Directors Council, giving me the opportunity to work with EMS professionals and leaders throughout our region.    I am seeking election to the GEMSA Board because I want to give back to the profession that has shaped my career. I would bring decades of field experience, leadership, education, and a strong commitment to representing Georgia’s EMS professionals while helping move our profession forward.