GEMSA Board of Director Candidates 2025

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

Voting closes on October 6, 2025, so vote today!  

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

AT-LARGE CANDIDATES (in alphabetical order by last name)

Miranda Baras, Grady Health System

Miranda Baras currently serves as the EMS Liaison Manager for Grady Health System with a background spanning emergency medical services, healthcare technology, and education. In this role, she leads engagement with over 100 EMS partner agencies, driving quality assurance, process improvement, and educational initiatives that enhance prehospital care and streamline communication between EMS and hospital teams. Miranda brings over a decade of clinical experience as a paramedic in both adult and pediatric trauma facilities and 9-1-1 ambulance services in both rural and urban settings, complemented by leadership roles in customer success, instructional design, and healthcare innovation. Prior to joining Grady, she served as a Customer Success Manager at a healthcare technology company, where she specialized in process optimization for healthcare organizations. Miranda holds a master’s in biomedical enterprise from Georgia State University and a bachelor's from Columbus State University. She is also a recognized speaker and educator, presenting on topics such as EMS education and healthcare technology. Driven by a passion for public health, education, and system efficiency, Miranda continues to champion improvements in emergency care, community outreach, and injury prevention across the Atlanta metro region and the state of Georgia.

Chad Black (incumbent), Metro Atlanta Ambulance Service

Chad Black brings more than 44 years of experience in EMS, fire services, and air medical operations, with a career dedicated to advancing emergency care and public safety across Georgia and beyond. He currently serves as Director of Government Relations for Metro Atlanta Ambulance Service, one of the Southeast’s largest EMS providers, where he leads legislative strategy, policy development, and advocacy efforts at the state and local levels. Chad’s leadership journey includes serving as Fire Chief and Emergency Services Director for Habersham County, where he unified EMS and fire under one command structure and oversaw multimillion-dollar operations. He also served more than three decades with Hall County Fire Services, rising to Deputy Fire Chief of Georgia’s 7th largest department. In the air medical field, Chad held leadership roles with Air Methods Corporation, overseeing operations across four states, and served on the frontlines as a Flight Paramedic. As Chairman of the Georgia EMS Association Board for the past eight years, Chad has been a driving force in shaping legislation, building partnerships, and advancing innovative programs — including Georgia’s pre-hospital blood pilot and the Cardiac Designation legislation that established specialized cardiac centers statewide.

Jennifer Davis, Air Methods

My name is Jennifer Davis. I have worked as a paramedic in Georgia since 2000. I have worked for private ambulance companies and with county services as well. For the last 12 years I have worked as a Flight Paramedic for Air Methods. I fly on AirLife 2 out of Cornelia, GA. I serve as the Base Outreach Coordinator for our base which gives me the opportunity to interact with many of the EMS services in Northeast Georgia on a regular basis and for several years I have also had the opportunity to work with the GEMSA trauma skills lab as an instructor and teach all over the state. Last year I was given the opportunity to participate in the GEMSA Leadership program with Class 13. I would like to be considered for an at large position at this time. I love EMS and the job we get to do every day. I also have really come to love all of the opportunities we have to collaborate and learn from each other. If elected I look forward to working with all of you to create more opportunities and education for EMS in the state of Georgia.

Richard Eberhart, Georgia Northwestern Technical College

I became a Georgia Paramedic in 1994. Worked in Bartow, Floyd and Polk counties. Became a Registered Nurse in 2012 and completed my BSN in 2015. I am currently NREMT-P and the Program Director at Georgia Northwestern Technical College. I want to be able to help the EMS profession advance into the future.

Jason Hurst, Amerimed EMS

Jason Hurst is an Associate Professor of Business and Management at South Georgia State College, where they have served since August 2025. In this role, they teach and advise students in the Bachelor of Business program with a focus on the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) concentration. As a curriculum developer and advocate, they were successful in establishing South Georgia State College as the first Regents College in Georgia to offer an EMS concentration at the bachelor’s level. In addition to their academic role, they serve as the Georgia Training Coordinator for AMERIMED EMS, where they focus on standardizing education, strengthening interagency partnerships, and advancing the skills of EMS providers through QA/QI oversight and comprehensive training programs. Since 2018, they have also served as the EMS Professions Lead Instructor at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s Coffee Campus, preparing future EMTs and paramedics with strong clinical and critical thinking skills. With field experience dating back to 2012, they have held roles ranging from EMT-I to NREMT-P, serving at Coffee Regional Medical Center, Clinch County EMS. Currently they also serve as region 9 Ambassador for GEMSA and sit on the Executive Committee for Region 9 REMSACS. They are graduates of GEMSA’s Leadership Course Class 10 and were awarded their EMS Director Certification in 2022 and were awarded GEMSA Educator of the year for 2024. They have worked extensively on the expansion and growth of Faithful Guardian Training Center, contributing in multiple capacities as an instructor, adjunct faculty member, and educational advisor. Their leadership and expertise have been instrumental in guiding satellite campus development and advancing innovative, non-traditional educational formats. Their extensive experience bridges both clinical practice and education in the evolving EMS landscape.

Jed Jarrett (incumbent), Air Evac

Jared started his career in southwest Georgia as an EMT in 2003. He finished his Associates in EMS/Paramedic from Darton College in 2004. Jared subsequently finished his RN in 2007, his BSN in 2008, and his MSN in 2013 from UAB as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Jed is employed as a Flight Nurse/Paramedic at Air Evac 102 in Dublin. He is also a full time Firefighter/Paramedic and Training Officer at Laurens County Fire Department. Jared is also on staff at Atrium Navicent Health in Macon, GA as an Emergency Medicine No. In addition, he is an active member of Region 5 Trauma Advisory Education Cohort. Jared has also presented at GEMSA and served as a guest educator across the state. He lives in Dudley, Ga with his wife Kylie who is a Flight Nurse / EMT and their 4 children.

Kevin Locke, Barrow County Fire Department

With over 30 years of service as a Paramedic and Captain of EMS for Barrow County Fire Department, I have dedicated my career to advancing prehospital care and supporting the men and women who deliver it. I currently manage a $5 million EMS budget, oversee ambulance operations in a public-private partnership with Northeast Georgia Health System, and lead protocol development, training, and quality improvement initiatives that directly impact patient care. Beyond operations, I’ve worked statewide through GEMSA and the Georgia Trauma Commission to strengthen programs such as Stop the Bleed and community paramedicine, while also instructing CPR, ACLS, PALS, and EMT courses to prepare the next generation of providers. I believe strongly in advocating for EMS at both the local and state level, ensuring our profession has the resources, recognition, and respect it deserves. As a GEMSA board member, I will bring decades of frontline experience, proven leadership in administration, and a passion for education and innovation to continue advancing EMS across Georgia. Together, we can build a stronger, more unified system that supports providers and delivers the highest quality care to our communities.

Nina Piatt, Redmond EMS

I began my EMS career in 2009 and currently serve as an EMS Captain, an NRP, and hold a BSBA. My experience spans private, county based, and hospital based EMS systems, giving me a well rounded understanding of the strengths and challenges within each model. In addition to field operations, I’ve been deeply involved in EMS education. I’ve served as an AHA, and NEMT instructor, lab, adjunct, clinical coordinator, and paramedic program director. I’ve also developed a successful high school dual enrollment program, creating early entry opportunities for students into EMS. Throughout my career, mentorship has been a constant. I take pride and supporting providers at every stage of their journey from student to season professional. Now, in a leadership role, I’m eager to bring my operational, educational, and administrative experience to the Georgia EMS Association board. I believe my diverse background, equips me to effectively advocate for providers, strengthen education, and contribute to the continued advancement of EMS across Georgia. Serving in this role would allow me to get back to a profession that has shaped my life and continues to fuel my passion.

Sam Polk (incumbent), Henry County Fire Rescue

My name is Sam Polk and I have been in Fire and EMS for over 30 years. I began as a volunteer firefighter and first responder in my home county and became a Paramedic in 1994. I am currently the Assistant Chief of EMS Operations at Henry County Fire Rescue where I have worked for the last 19 years. In my career I have worked in several roles from Paramedic, Preceptor, Field Training Officer, Field Supervisor, Clinical Services Director, Clinical Education Manager, and Instructor. I am a Georgia AEMT Instructor/Coordinator and an instructor with the Georgia Trauma Skills Lab program. Currently I am completing my Bachelor of Science in EMS Administration with fast-track enrollment for my Masters of Public Administration. Also, I am an alumnus of the Georgia Leadership Program Class 6 and previously served as an at-large member on the board of the Leadership Alumni Association. For the last 12 years I have represented Henry County on the Region 4 EMS Advisory Council where I have served as the Council Chairman for the last 5 years. I previously served as the Region 4 Trauma Advisory Committee Chair and represented Region 4 on the Georgia Trauma Commission’s EMS Sub-Committee. GEMSA has made many important strides in representing Georgia’s EMS providers and I am proud to have played even a small part in this. However, there is more to do, and I look forward to helping build a great and exciting future for Georgia EMS.

Directors Division - Vice President Candidates

Tim George, Smyrna Fire Department

Having the privilege to serve in the GA EMS community since 1990 I’ve seen EMS in some of the better days. When EMS positions were harder to get and classrooms were nearly full. Now 35 years later as an EMS Director we see agencies across the state in crisis in nearly every community. There are workforce challenges coming from every angle including chronic underfunding and inadequate reimbursement, leading to staffing shortages, a lack of resources, and high turnover rates due to low pay and extreme provider stress leading to burnout. Being elected to work with the GEMSA Board for the citizens and EMS providers across the state would be an honor that could not be rivaled. While I do not claim to have all the answers I would work hard to meet the challenges we all are facing. Thank you for your consideration.

Chad Huff, Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Service

With over 20 years of experience as an EMS provider in the north and west regions of Georgia, I have served in every level of leadership, from field provider to my current role as Director of EMS operations at Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services. Over the past five years, I’ve contributed to the development of billing protocols and operational designs for Cherokee County Fire and supported Advent Health Gordon in building their systems. My transition into a director-level role has deepened my interest in the administrative side of Georgia’s EMS system. Through the GEMSA leadership program, I gained valuable insight into state-level operations and am eager to continue growing in this area. I am committed to advancing my knowledge and leadership to better serve the EMS community across Georgia.

Allen Owens (incumbent), Hope EMS

I am the Director of Hope EMS - Retired from Tift County. I currently hold the position of Vice President of the Directors Division. I enjoy being a current board member and I try to be available for the board and members. I attend many of the trainings that GEMSA offers to support the Mission. I want to expand my knowledge of what the Board does for its members and make myself a good representative for EMS in whole.

Educators Division - Vice President Candidates

Ebony Britton, Atlanta Fire Rescue Department- Training

I have been actively involved in emergency medical services for several years, serving as a paramedic and continuously seeking opportunities to grow both clinically and professionally. My experience spans patient care in diverse environments, leadership development through the NAEMT Lighthouse Leadership Program (Class of 2026), and service as a GEMSA Ambassador, where I have worked to connect with peers, promote EMS advancement, and support professional development initiatives. I want to serve as a GEMSA Board Member to give back to the EMS community that has shaped me. I believe in the importance of advocacy, education, and mentorship in advancing our profession. My goal is to represent the voices of providers in the field, help strengthen collaboration across the state, and contribute to programs that support recruitment, retention, and leadership growth within EMS. I bring dedication, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to ensuring that our profession continues to thrive while always keeping patient care at the center of our mission.

Dee McCoy (incumbent), Bound Tree Medical

I am honored to seek re-election to the Board of Directors of the Georgia EMS Association. Since 2018, I have been privileged to serve alongside dedicated professionals, most recently as Vice President of the Educators’ Division and as Secretary of the Board. These roles have allowed me to actively contribute to advancing EMS and strengthening our association. I am deeply passionate about EMS and the vital role education plays in shaping the future of our profession. Through teaching multiple classes across the state, I have worked to expand access to high-quality education and support the professional growth of our providers. My goal is to continue building on this foundation, ensuring that Georgia’s EMS community is equipped with the knowledge, resources, and advocacy it deserves. I am grateful for the trust and respect I have earned throughout the state and remain committed to representing our members with dedication, integrity, and enthusiasm. With your support, I look forward to continuing to share my passion for EMS and EMS education as we work together to strengthen our profession and the communities we serve.

Tristan McKeown, Pillar EMS Education

Versatile and accomplished CEO and Senior EMS Instructor with 15+ years of experience in emergency medical services and education. Expert in providing comprehensive training and quality assurance analysis, enhancing operational efficiency within EMS organizations. Proven track record in supervising recruit training and advising leadership to improve productivity. Currently pursuing advanced certifications in the ever evolving world of education and information technology and apply it to initial education programs as well as the craft as a whole. I want to see EMS in Georgia become renowned for the quality of providers we place in the field and to foster the life long learner mindset that will only continue to improve operational efficiency as well as workforce development and satisfaction.

Medical Directors Division - No Vice President Candidates

Providers Division - Vice President Candidate

Coy Tippins, Air Evac Lifeteam

I am honored to seek the position of Vice President of the Providers Division of the Georgia EMS Association. I have served in EMS since 2009, working across multiple ground services in both metro and rural settings. I currently serve as a flight paramedic with Air Evac Lifeteam and as the Region 9 RTAC (Regional Trauma Advisory Committee) Coordinator, giving me a broad and strategic view of prehospital care across the state. My leadership background includes roles as a Shift Captain, Field Training Officer, and Training Officer. These experiences have deepened my commitment to provider development, system improvement, and high-quality patient care. If elected, I will be a strong advocate for EMS providers, ensuring your voices are heard and your needs addressed. I’m dedicated to working collaboratively to advance our profession and support those on the front lines every day.

Rafe Waters (incumbent), Global Medical Response

Rafe is an experienced healthcare provider and leader. His EMS career began in 2000, evolving as EMT-I, Paramedic, Level III EMS instructor, and EMS Director. In 2014 Rafe moved to Air Evac Lifeteam, serving as Flight Paramedic, Program Director, Senior Program Director, and in 2024 Regional Director for Global Medical Response. During his tenure, the Georgia Air Evac team has become one of the most successful teams within GMR. Rafe has served in various leadership roles in many GMR/FEMA deployments over the last several years. Rafe is passionate about improving the pre-hospital healthcare across Georgia. A graduate of the 2013 GEMSA Leadership Course, Rafe is a Past-Chairperson of the Georgia EMS Leadership Alumni, Chairperson for the Georgia EMS Preparedness Foundation, Past-Chairperson of the Southeastern Tech EMS advisory committee, a member of the Regional Trauma Advisory Council, and Chairperson of the Region 9 EMS Council. Additionally, Rafe helped develop the GEMSA Ambassador Program. This program helps inform EMS providers in each region about EMS classes, legislative topics and other GEMSA news. Rafe holds an AS in Nursing from Albany State University, a BS in Organizational Leadership/Management from the University of West Georgia, and an MBA from Western Governor’s University.