{"id":31420,"date":"2025-05-06T15:15:41","date_gmt":"2025-05-06T19:15:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/emergency-medical-services\/?p=31420"},"modified":"2025-05-06T15:49:09","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T19:49:09","slug":"my-first-100-days-as-virginias-ems-director-rebuilding-trust-listening-deeply-and-shaping-a-shared-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/emergency-medical-services\/2025\/05\/06\/my-first-100-days-as-virginias-ems-director-rebuilding-trust-listening-deeply-and-shaping-a-shared-future\/","title":{"rendered":"My First 100 Days as Virginia\u2019s EMS Director: Rebuilding Trust, Listening Deeply, and Shaping a Shared Future\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

My First 100 Days as Virginia\u2019s EMS Director: Rebuilding Trust, Listening Deeply, and Shaping a Shared Future\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When I stepped into the role of Director of the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) three months ago, I knew I was joining a community of deeply committed professionals. But what I could not have fully anticipated was how inspiring, honest, and energizing these first 100 days would be.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It has been a period of listening, learning, and laying the groundwork for the long-term work ahead: restoring trust, building partnerships, and strengthening our EMS system for the future.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Listening First, and Listening Often<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From day one, I made it a priority to hear directly from the people who power this system\u2014EMS providers, agency leaders, regional council partners, and community stakeholders. Since mid-February, I had the chance to complete 24 site visits across five of Virginia\u2019s eleven Regional EMS Councils: Rappahannock EMS Council, Tidewater EMS Council, Southwest Virginia EMS Council, Central Shenandoah EMS Council, and Western Virginia EMS Council. I plan to visit the remaining six regions in the months ahead.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Each of these visits has been packed with insight and heart. I\u2019ve toured rescue squads, fire departments, and hospitals. I\u2019ve attended board meetings, award ceremonies, and community events. I\u2019ve met the dedicated providers who are the backbone of our system\u2014and I\u2019ve listened closely to their challenges, ideas, and hopes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During my tour at Rappahannock EMS Council area – I had the privilege of speaking with administrators from a new health sciences college program. I also attended the Anatomage Tournament, the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads (VAVRS) Board of Governors meeting, a BLS competition, and the VAVRS District 1 gathering in Stuarts Draft. I was honored to be a guest speaker at award ceremonies hosted by the Forest View Rescue Squad and Virginia Beach EMS.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These visits have been more than symbolic. They are shaping how I lead. They have helped me understand what unites us across metro, suburban, and rural areas and where the system needs to adapt to meet local needs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At my first State EMS Advisory Board meeting in February, we were strangers. Today, I feel we are truly colleagues and partners in progress.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learning From Within and Strengthening Alignment<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Internally, I\u2019ve spent time getting to know our OEMS team\u2014meeting one-on-one with staff to learn about their work, hear their concerns, and explore where we can be more efficient, responsive, and accountable. I am grateful to the OEMS leadership team for helping identify opportunities to modernize our operations and support our staff more effectively.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Externally, I began building stronger bridges with key partners. I\u2019ve met with:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n