New Manager of Accreditation, Certification and Education Division Announced

It is with great excitement that the Virginia Office of EMS (OEMS) announces Debbie Akers as the new Manager for the Division of Accreditation, Certification and Education (ACE). Debbie is a passionate EMS educator and administrator with over 20 years of experience providing EMS educators with knowledge in educational methodology, course development and initial and continuing education programs. Debbie has established cohesive relationships with state and national EMS organizations to promote Virginia to a recognized leader in prehospital EMS education. Debbie is a Nationally Registered EMT-paramedic, Virginia EMT-Paramedic and a Virginia EMS Education Coordinator.

Debbie also worked as an ER Technician and Paramedic at Montgomery Regional Hospital in Blacksburg, served as Training Coordinator and Paramedic at Regional Emergency Medical Services in Pulaski, served as Program Director at New River Valley Training Center in Radford, and as Regional Education Coordinator at the Western Virginia EMS Council in Roanoke for seven years prior to becoming the Advanced Life Support Training Specialist at OEMS in 2011.

Debbie has been recognized by the Governor as the Outstanding Prehospital EMS Educator in Virginia in 2010. Her contributions to EMS on a national level were recognized when she was awarded the National Association of EMS Educators, HERO award in 2008.

Debbie is recognized for her solid background in business administration, and as a hands-on manager with developed skills and experience in human resource management. Anyone who has ever met Debbie or interacted with her knows that she is an effective communicator and able to foster productive relationships with colleagues, customers and staff at all levels.

Debbie is the ultimate team leader and team player and we are proud to announce her new role at OEMS. Please join us in congratulating Debbie as the new Division Manager for ACE.