Program Directors Focus Group (PDFG)

“The PDFG was launched to collect feedback on ways to improve services.”

The Program Directors Focus Group (PDFG) provides expertise and insights to the CoAEMSP Board of Directors, especially relating to day-to-day operational aspects of CAAHEP accredited and CoAEMSP Letter of Review (LoR) paramedic programs.

The PDFG was launched in May 2023, building on several listening sessions and town hall conversations hosted by CoAEMSP in 2022 to collect feedback on ways to improve services.

The 24 members of the PDFG represent a broad cross-section of the nation and paramedic education institutions. Four members are from each NASEMSO Region—East, South, Great Lakes, Western Plains, and West—and four are at-large members.

Members of the group are volunteers and will serve for one year. The PDFG is not a governing body, does not set policy, and does not participate in accreditation decisions.

CoAEMSP will post summaries of the PDFG quarterly meetings here once they are available.

Program Directors Focus Group

2026-2027

Last Name

First Name

Degree

Sponsor/Region

Sponsor Type

State

West

Baca

Abraham

MPH

Glendale Community College

Community College

CA

Oest

Taylor

BS

Yavapai College

Community College

AZ

Timm

Eric

BSN

University of Washington – School of Medicine

University

WA

Trainor

Glenn

BS

City of Phoenix Fire Department

Fire Department

AZ

Western Plains

Graziano

JD

MS

Kirkwood Community College

Community College

IA

Kampeter

Jessica

BSN

University of Missouri Health Care

Hospital

MO

Molcyk

Joy

BS

Mid Plains Community College

Community College

NE

Sears

Kelli

MS

Bismark State College

Community College

ND

Great Lakes

Donathan

Erin

MPH

Macomb Community College

Community College

MI

Gray

James

MS

Silver Cross Hospital

Hospital

IL

Heiser

Janna

BSN

OSF Healthcare Sacred Heart Medical Center

Hospital

IL

Newton

Tim

MS

Life EMS Ambulance

Consortium

MI

Brandon

Ryan

BS

Madison Area Technical College

Technical College

WI

East

Brindle

John

BS

Harrisburg Area Community College

Community College

PA

Fannin

Jonathan

BA

Bridge Valley Community & Technical College

Community College

WV

Kulesa

Julia

BS

UCNJ Union College of Union County

Community College

NJ

Padykula

Joseph

MHA

St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing

Community College

NH

Wildermuth

Douglas

BS

Clarkson University

University

NY

South

Bishop

Troy

MSOM

Robeson Community College

Community College

NC

Borum

Phillip

MPA

Pasco Hernando State College

Community College

FL

Gilpin

Rusty

MEd

Gordon Cooper Technology Center

Technical College

OK

Heidbreder

Michael

DSL

Aiken Technical College

Technical College

SC

Lowther

Pamela

MHS

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Community College

NC

Montgomery

Rachel

MA

Texas A&M Engineering & Extension Service

University

TX