Lighthouse Leadership Mentors

• Kevin Collopy, MHL, FP-C, NRP, CMTE

  Clinical Outcomes & Compliance Manager
  Novant Health Mobile Integrated Health, AirLink/VitaLink 

  

  Kevin Collopy is the clinical outcomes & compliance manager for Novant Health AirLink/VitaLink where he oversees the system's research, education, risk & quality management, outreach, and reimbursement programs. Kevin has been in prehospital medicine for over 2 decades and regularly lectures across the United States. He has taught emergency & wilderness medicine on 4 continents and is an author of over 200 publications including 30 peer-reviewed research abstracts and papers. In addition, Kevin serves on the International Paramedic Registry U.S. advisory board, EMSWorld Editorial Advisory Board, and is chair of the Global Critical Care Transport Higher Education Council. He is a past president and emeritus board member of the International College of Advanced Practice Paramedics. Kevin holds a bachelors degree from Colgate University, a Masters in Healthcare Leadership from Western Governors University, and has a LEAN Healthcare Black Belt certification.

   

• Glenn Deitz, FACPE, MHA, NRP

  Manager
  Atlantic Mobile Health

  

  Glenn began his tenure in pre-hospital services in 2002, volunteering for Hampton Township Volunteer Fire & Rescue (Hampton Twp., NJ) and Grantley Fire Company (York, PA).  In 2006, Glenn began working as an Emergency Medical Technician within Atlantic Ambulance Corporation.  In 2009 he completed the Paramedic Science program at Union County College and subsequently began working with the Mobile Intensive Care Unit at Atlantic Ambulance.  Before becoming the Operations Manager for the Ground Medical Transportation, Revenue Cycle, and Community Outreach divisions of Atlantic Mobile Health (AMH), Glenn was active in many operational roles with progressive administrative and leadership responsibilities including business development and patient experience.  He has served in various leadership roles spanning his nearly 22 years of EMS experience and has proven his skills in EMS leadership and revenue cycle management.  Glenn’s divisions at AMH complete over 82,000 emergent and non-emergent patient transports per year.

  Glenn completed his Master of Healthcare Administration at Centenary University in 2017 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from York College of Pennsylvania. He is also a Fellow with the American College of Paramedic Executives and has served in various leadership roles with the New Jersey Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives.  Glenn has a passion for the medical transportation industry and is always looking for opportunity to highlight the importance of these services in the healthcare spectrum.

   

• David Edgar, MHA, CCP

  President of Edgar Public Safety and Healthcare Solutions, LLC
  Assistant Chief of EMS  (Retired) City of West Des Moine

  Edgar started his career as a volunteer with the department in 1986 and just retired after 37 years in EMS. He obtained his Master of Healthcare Administration in 1999.  He is currently on the Board of Directors for the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulances Services, (CAAS) and the Chair of the NAEMT Lighthouse Leadership Program. Edgar is a former member of the Iowa Department of Public Health’s Highly Infectious Disease Committee, the FEMA Region 7 EMS workgroup, Iowa EMS for Children Committee, the regional implementation committee for Pulsara, Metro STEMI and Stroke Committee, and is the EMS representative for the Des Moines Metro Emergency Departments Committee.  Edgar was recognized as the Iowa Career Paramedic of the Year in 2000. He was the recipient of a 2013 JEMS EMS 10 Innovators in EMS Award, AAA Star of Life Award, and an NAEMT Presidential Leadership Award in 2022.

   

• Aaron Edwards, MS, NRP

  Captain, EMS Division
  Annapolis Fire Department

  

  Experienced Captain with a demonstrated history of working in the public safety industry. Skilled in Hands-on Training, Emergency Management, Disaster Response, Community Partnership Development, and Medical Billing. Strong operations professional with a M.S. Management focused in Public Safety Leadership from Johns Hopkins University School of Education. 

  Versatile and engaging, I inspire multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality EMS services. Over the course of 27 years, I have led effective responses to all hazards in a department with over 13K annual calls. My passion for technology leads me to embrace new tools that improve outcomes for the community.

  Adept in both management and hands-on roles, I champion best practices and promote knowledge sharing at all organizational levels. I am committed to building ethical and inclusive teams.

   

• Sheila Elliott, MS, LP

  EMS Director 
  University Emergency Medical Response Team, University of Texas at Dallas  
  

  

  Sheila Elliott is EMS Director for the First Responder Organization at The University of Texas at Dallas, where she oversees 80 volunteer EMTs who provide 24/7 coverage on the university campus. She started the EMS Education Division in May 2020, where the EMT program certifies over 300 students per year with a first-time pass-rate of 97%.  In August 2021, Sheila began working with hospital administrators from Methodist Health System to form a partnership called the North Texas Paramedic Education Consortium where a year later, an application was approved by CoAEMSP to begin the first Paramedic program in August 2023. She holds a Bachelors in Education and a Masters in Leadership and Management.  After teaching elementary music for 5 years, Sheila became a licensed paramedic in 1997, after one her twin sons was born with a severe heart defect, requiring 5 open heart surgeries. Sheila and her son, Colby, are proud spokespersons for the American Heart Association, speaking all over the country, raising awareness about congenital heart defects.

   

• Rob Farmer, MBA, FACPE

  Partner Manager
  CentralSquare Technologies       

  

  Rob Farmer, MBA, FACPE, has a long career in public safety, spanning more than 35 years. Mr. Farmer currently serves as the 911 Partner Manager for CentralSquare Technologies in Lake Mary, Florida, and has previously served as the Chief Administrative Officer for Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare, as the Director of Public Safety for Lee County, Florida, as the Director/Chief of Delaware County EMS in Central Ohio, and as a firefighter/paramedic for the Upper Arlington Fire Department in suburban Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Farmer has an MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Hodges University. He is a Fellow of the American College of Paramedic Executives, as well as serving as a Charter Commissioner.

   

• Magen Hallman, Paramedic

  Deputy Chief of Operations, Paramedic
  Lexington County EMS                

  

  Magen Hallman is a dedicated professional in the field of Emergency Medical Services. Magen pursued her education at Radford University Carilion, where she successfully obtained her associate degree in Emergency Health Sciences-Paramedicine in 2006. Continuing her academic journey, Magen graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Bio-Medical Sciences from Radford University Carilion in 2009. Her strong educational background and commitment to excellence laid a solid foundation for her career in EMS. Magen's career began with Carilion Clinic Patient Transport and Franklin County Public Safety. Her dedication and expertise quickly propelled her through the ranks. In 2013, she relocated to South Carolina, where she assumed the role of a Training Officer. Through hard work and determination, she gradually advanced and currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Operations with Lexington County EMS. Recognizing the value of continuous learning and personal development, Magen returned to school in 2022 to pursue her Master's in Executive Leadership from Liberty University. Magen actively contributes to various organizations and causes. Outside of her professional commitments, Magen cherishes her roles as a wife and mother. She is grateful for the unwavering support of her husband in pursuing her career goals while raising their two daughters. Together, they create an inspiring and nurturing environment for their family. 

   

• David Janese, MD, MS, EMT-LP

  Adjunct Professor & Clinical Manager
  Bossier Parish Community College & Lavaca County EMS

  

  David Janese is the Clinical Manager for Lavaca County EMS and an Adjunct Professor at Bossier Parish Community College. He is a licensed EMT-Paramedic, holds a Masters of Biology, and is a Medical Resident at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, LA. 

   

   

• Jim Jones, BAAS, LP

  Deputy Chief - Operations
  Hardin County ESD #2 / Lumberton Fire & EMS      

  

  Jim Jones is a firefighter and paramedic currently serving as the Deputy Chief of Operations for Lumberton Fire & EMS in Lumberton Texas. He has been involved in EMS and emergency responses for more than 30 years with approximately 15 years of leadership and instructional experience.  Jones is a member of the EMS Committee for the Texas Governor’s EMS and Trauma Advisory Council (GETAC), a NAEMT Education Coordinator, and volunteers for two rural fire departments in Texas.  He holds a bachelor of applied arts and sciences and is currently working toward his Master in Public Administration. 

   

• Baxter Larmon, PhD, MICP

  Professor of Emergency Medicine
  David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles 

  

  Baxter Larmon, PhD, MICP, is currently a professor of emergency medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and Emeritus Director of the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care. He has been actively involved in EMS for more than 45 years. Dr. Larmon has dedicated his life to the professionalism of EMS.

   

• Rob Lawrence, MCMI

  Director of Strategic Implementation
  Pro EMS Cambridge Massachusetts                      

  

  Rob Lawrence has been a leader in civilian and military EMS for 3 decades. He is currently the director of strategic implementation for PRO EMS and its educational arm, Prodigy EMS, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Rob also owns and operates Robert Lawrence Consulting, where his key client is the California Ambulance Association, where he operates as the Executive Director.  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. During this time Rob also held the appointment of prehospital chair of the Pan American Trauma Society, working with EMS systems in Central and South America. Additionally, he served as COO for Paramedics Plus in Alameda County, California.

  Prior to emigrating to the U.S. in 2008, Rob served as the COO for the East of England Ambulance Service in Suffolk County, England, and as the executive director of operations and service development for East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust.  Rob’s first career was as an Army Officer, and he is a graduate of the UK's Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and served worldwide in a 20-year military career encompassing many prehospital and evacuation leadership roles. In the Emergency Management arena, Rob was the first Ambulance officer in the UK to be appointed as chair of a county Strategic Coordination Group (SCG), the body that governs the coordination of emergency disaster response and operated in a joint leadership role for many operations and events including acting as GOLD commander for his ambulance services response to the 7/7 London bombings.  

  In the US, Rob led the ESF8 function for the City of Richmond EOC as well as acting as Unified Commander for many events, including Presidential visits, weather events and world and national sporting championships. Rob is the current Chair of the American Ambulance Association, State Association Forum, a board member of the Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration (AIMHI), as well as a advisory board member of the International Public Safety Association. He writes and podcasts at EMS1 and Police1 and is a member of the EMS1 and EMS World Magazine Editorial Advisory Boards, Connect with him on Twitter @ukrobl1. In his spare time, Rob is an avid hiker and hill walker, and has published over 160 recorded and narrated hikes on his YouTube Hiker Vlog Channel (UKROBL Hikes and Walks). If he ever wins the lottery, he will immediately take the first 6 months to walk the Pacific Crest Trail!

   

• Chris Le Baudour, MS Ed, EMT

  EMS Administrator
  County of Marin

  

  Christopher Le Baudour is the Emergency Medical Services Administrator for the County of Marin in California. He has served in a public safety training and education role since 1984. He is an expert policy development writer, author of six EMS education publications, and a former Board member for the National Association of EMS Educators. He is also an accomplished sailor and a private pilot.

   

• Jeremy Miller, M.Ed, NRP

  Assistant Chief
  Delaware County EMS

  

  Jeremy Miller graduated from Pickering High School in Pickering, Louisiana in 1994. Jeremy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Education, a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Leadership, and is finalizing a Doctoral degree in Education. After high school, Jeremy Miller enlisted in the United States Air Force as a medic. During his 20-year career, then Master Sergeant Miller, was assigned to various locations as a paramedic (flight and ground), an EMT and paramedic course instructor/clinical coordinator, Director of Air Force EMS, managed multiple emergency departments as well as fleets of ambulances and served in both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  Jeremy was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his leadership in Afghanistan.

  In 2014, Jeremy retired from the Air Force and took a position at the National Registry of EMTs as Chief Certification Officer. During this time, Jeremy volunteered as a paramedic for the Leesburg Township Fire Department and served as the EMS Captain. Jeremy also trained federal law enforcement agencies on medical courses such as tactical medicine, EMT/paramedic refreshers, and wilderness survival. Jeremy Also has served as a hospital administrator for a 128-bed psychiatric hospital. Jeremy currently serves as Assistant Chief (Operations) with the 2022 NAEMT EMS Service of the Year recipient, Delaware County (Ohio) EMS. Jeremy has been published in various research projects as well as in numerous national EMS magazines.  As an avid educator, Jeremy has presented in 36 separate states and has taught on three continents. 

  Jeremy was featured on National Geographic Channels Rescue Warriors 4, for his role as instructor for the elite special operations group of Air Force Pararescue. Assistant Chief Miller has held board or committee positions for the National Association of EMTS (NAEMT), the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE), the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP), National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE) and The National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO). Additionally, Assistant Chief Miller was a founding member and board member of the Union County Public Safety Support Group.

   

• John C. Phelps II DBA, DS, ACHE, NRP

  Assistant Professor
  Our Lady of the Lake University

  

  John Phelps is a Veteran of the U.S. Army and has over 22 years of experience in the Healthcare industry as a provider, educator, and leader. He has a broad background in healthcare with specific training and expertise in the emergency medical services and healthcare administration industry. In 1999, Dr. Phelps began working in the EMS industry in Odessa, TX. He serves as an Assistant Professor at Our Lady of The Lake University, President of Phelps Healthcare Education and Consulting, and part-time paramedic at Kendall County EMS. 

  John Phelps completed his Doctorate in Business Administration specializing in Healthcare Administration at Walden University, a master’s in business at Wayland Baptist University, and an undergraduate degree in Emergency Medicine at Wayland Baptist University. Dr. Phelps completed a Post-Doctoral Program in Data Science and Business Analytics at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a National Registry Paramedic, Data Scientist, and Healthcare Administrator. He serves on the RECERT Advisory Board, OBLS Steering Committee, and American College of Healthcare Executives. Furthermore, he mentors youth with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program of South Texas.

   

• Ginny Renkiewicz, PhD, MHS, Paramedic, FAEMS

  Department Chair, EMS Program Director and Faculty
  Eastern Oregon University College of Business, Methodist University, Brunswick Community College   

  

  Ginny is the Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Health Care Administration and EMS at Methodist University. She has been involved in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for over 20 years as both a credentialed Paramedic and Instructor. She has spent nearly 20 years as a Program Director and has been recognized for her contribution to the EMS profession as a Fellow of the Academy of Emergency Medical Services (FAEMS) through the National Association of EMS Physicians. She has won multiple national and international awards, including EMS Educator of the Year and the global EMS10 Award for innovation in the field of EMS.

  Ginny holds an Associate of Applied Science in Sign Language Interpreting from Wilson Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Care with a concentration in EMS management, a Master of Health Science in EMS education (both from Western Carolina University), and a PhD in Health Science with a concentration in Respiratory Care from Rush University. Ginny is a reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals; serves as Executive Director of the Foundation for Prehospital Medicine Research; and is passionate about research, innovation, and student mentoring. She is also the Vice Chair of the North Carolina Association of EMS Educators and serves her local community as a certified medical examiner. Her specific research interests include defining predictors and profiling trauma- and stress-related disorders in EMS personnel.

   

• Macara Trusty, LP, MS, SHRM-SCP

  Paramedic, Manager of Project Management
  Global Medical Response           

  Macara Trusty, MS, is a paramedic and manager of project management for Global Medical Response South Region in Arlington, Texas. She has been involved in EMS for over 25 years, has over 23 years of EMS teaching experience, and more than 14 years of EMS leadership experience. During her EMS career, she has worked as a dispatcher, an EMT, a field paramedic and on an Advanced Practice Paramedic team. Before joining Global Medical Response, she was education and community programs manager for MedStar Mobile Healthcare in Fort Worth. Macara serves as the chair of the EMS Education Committee for the Texas Governor’s EMS and Trauma Advisory Council (GETAC).

  She has led collaborative and cross-functional teams toward innovative solutions that improve the quality of clinical education and training in Texas. She also serves as the NAEMT Education Coordinator for Texas, and is a member of the NAEMT Education Committee. She has experience working in both rural and urban environments. She has been married to her husband, Paul, for over 22 years and has two daughters. She holds a bachelor of science in business management, a master of science in management and leadership, and is currently working toward her doctorate in strategic leadership. She also holds several certifications such as Project+, SHRM-SCP, Just Culture Champion, and others.