PAAW Board of Directors and Leadership

The upcoming New Year brings new opportunities for the Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin, to include board of director and leadership changes, as well as uniting with the AAA and MAA in launching a joint conference, Midwest EMS Expo, "Leaders Training Leaders", May 2 and 3 in La Crosse. 

Dana Sechler recently took over as PAAW president following the leadership of Patrick Ryan, who made significant progress in that responsibility from 2006 to 2017.   In addition, Chris Anderson and Cody Doucette, vice president and secretary respectively, move into their new responsibilities with the New Year.

At the end of December, PAAW Executive Director Joe Covelli concludes his employment with the association.  He's been with PAAW since 2010.  The American Ambulance Association takes over PAAW management responsibilities under the leadership of Amanda Riordan.  PAAW also hired Samantha Hilker to write content and produce the association's podcast, EMS Live in Wisconsin.

According to PAAW President Dana Sechler, “The Midwest EMS Expo conference offers a platform for the exchange of ideas and information among ambulance leaders of all levels. Given the constantly changing nature of EMS, it is critical to bring this educational and networking opportunity to our region.”

In addition to powerful educational content, the Midwest EMS Expo will offer attendees the opportunity to experience the best in products, services, and vehicles for EMS providers. Gold Sponsor Savvik Buying Group will be joined by Silver Sponsor Cindy Elbert Insurance Services, Bronze Sponsor eCore, and dozens more exhibitors on the show floor. For a complete list of current vendors, please visit www.midwestemsexpo.com/exhibitors. 

Conference registration is now open, with member early-bird rates as low as $200 per attendee. Sponsorship, booths, and vehicle spaces are also available online at low introductory rates. To register for the Midwest EMS Expo or view the complete schedule of events, please visit www.midwestemsexpo.com.

PAAW is a member-based organization dedicated to healthy, sustainable ambulance service delivery in Wisconsin.

Executive Officers

President - Dana Sechler

Vice President - Chris Anderson

Secretary - Cody Doucette

Treasurer - Tom Tornstrom

Board of Directors

Government / Municipal Ambulance Services

Jay Steuer, Director, Valders Ambulance, Valders, WI

Mark Fredrickson, Executive Director, Gold Cross / Brillion Ambulance Service, Menasha, WI

*Dana Sechler, EMS Chief / Director, Baraboo District Ambulance, Baraboo, WI

For Profit Ambulance Services

Patrick Ryan, President, Ryan Brothers Ambulance, Madison, WI

*Chris Anderson, Operations Director, Bell Ambulance, Milwaukee, WI

Larry Knuth, Vice President, Paratech Ambulance, Milwaukee, WI

Not-For-Profit / Nonprofit Ambulance Services

David Rae, Operations Director, Gold Cross / N.E.W. Paramedic Service, Menasha, WI

*Tom Tornstrom, Executive Director, Tri-State Ambulance, La Crosse, WI

*Cody Doucette, Operations Manager, Divine Savior EMS, Portage, WI

* Denotes Executive Officer

PAAW Leadership

Amanda Riordan, PAAW Senior Director of Marketing and Membership

Samantha Hilker, PAAW Content and Podcasts

Dr. Mark Westfall, Medical Director Consultant

Attorney Thomas Shorter, Healthcare and Legal Consultant, Godfrey & Kahn Law Firm, Madison, WI

Michael Brozek, Government Relations and Registered Lobbyist, Midwest Strategies, Madison, WI