Vice Presidential Candidates

Tyler Kientopf

Hello, my name is Tyler Kientopf, and I am honored to currently serve as your Vice President. I have had the privilege of serving on the NDEMSA board for seven years. During my tenure, I have held the positions of Southwest Region President, chaired the Marketing and Publications Committees, and contributed to the Advocacy and Finance Committees.

I am dedicated full-time to the Dickinson Fire Department, where I oversee EMS Operations. Additionally, I contribute to Sanford Health, assisting with the EMS Education and Community Paramedic programs. I also serve as the interim manager for West River Ambulance. My journey in EMS began in 2006 as an EMT with my local volunteer ambulance service in Garretson, SD. In 2009, I became a Paramedic after graduating from the Avera McKennan School of EMS. I furthered my education with a degree in Healthcare Administration, specializing in EMS Management. As a board-certified Community Paramedic, I have a special interest in mobile integrated healthcare and community paramedicine, and I am currently pursuing a graduate degree in Organizational Leadership.

I have had the opportunity to be a part of numerous rural and urban EMS systems throughout the Dakotas, and I am passionate about using my experience to enhance North Dakota’s rural care systems. My wife Katie and I have four children: Nick (18), Nora (14), Graham (9), and Grace (6). In our free time, we enjoy camping, experiencing new adventures together, traveling, biking, and volunteering through our church.

EMS plays a crucial role in the lives of our community members, particularly in rural settings where access to healthcare can be limited and response times are critical. Rural EMS providers often face unique challenges, including vast geographic distances, limited resources, and volunteer shortages. Despite these hurdles, they are dedicated to delivering high-quality care with a deep commitment to their communities. If re-elected as your Vice President, I am committed to ensuring that North Dakota develops a sustainable EMS model that addresses these challenges. I aim to support EMS professionals in delivering superior care to the residents and visitors of North Dakota, leveraging innovative solutions and fostering strong community partnerships to enhance the effectiveness and reach of our rural EMS services.

Ron Lawler

My name is Ron Lawler and I am asking for your vote to be the next Vice President of the NDEMSA.

While in high school in Washburn, my stepfather was a member of both the volunteer fire department and the ambulance service. I would like to be able to say that this was my inspiration for a career in EMS, but at the time, I didn’t really pay attention, as teenagers do. It was just something he did. I joined the ND Army National Guard at 17, mostly to help pay for college, and served as a combat engineer soldier and officer for over 10 years. I tried several years as a chemistry major, then realized that it wasn’t for me. After a couple retail, manufacturing and security jobs, and some time passing, my son was born with cerebral palsy (we have talked about him in several of my classes at conferences). This led to running a childcare for him and 14 other children, some of whom also had special needs, teaching CPR and then to enrolling in an EMT class in 1999. I have been in EMS ever since. I went back and completed my bachelor’s degree at NDSU in 2011. I am currently working on my master’s in education degree through the American College of Education in Indianapolis, IN.

During the past 25 years, I have been an ambulance dispatcher, worked as an EMT-I, took paramedic- earning an associate’s degree in paramedicine, worked in the truck for some years, then moved to full-time education. If you have attended any regional or state conferences in MN or ND in the last 20 years, you may have seen one of my lectures! I now serve as the Director of the Sanford Health EMS Education Department in Fargo. Along the way, I joined NDEMSA and eventually became a Board member. Regionally, I have served on state level EMS office committees in both Minnesota and North Dakota related to education and community paramedics. After attending a few national EMS research summits, I was elected to the board of the National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE). This has allowed me to work on several different projects with NHTSA, NREMT, American College of Surgeons Trauma Committee and recently the National EMS Quality Alliance (NEMSQA). It also led to another board position with the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE), the group that accredits recertification courses for EMS. All these positions are my way of keeping rural /frontier clinicians at the table when changes to EMS are being discussed.

For NDEMSA, I have served on or assisted several committees for years. These include the education committee, marketing, publications, and occasionally advocacy, including testimony at the ND legislature. I have been involved in meetings with many of you across the state like the service leader meetings at regional and state conferences. I have enjoyed serving on the board and look forward to a more involved role.

My wife, Amanda, and I have been together for 14 years. We enjoy reading, traveling, crafts, and watching sports together. We have a blended family with 5 adult children, 3 boys/2 girls, with all but 1 living and working in Fargo (the rogue son is in St. Louis, MO). We are expecting our first grandchild in December, with a second on the way in May! 

Southeast Region Candidates

Andrew Berkey

My name is Andrew Berkey and I am the Operations Manager for Jamestown Area Ambulance - Ringdahl. I have been in EMS since 2014 and obtained my Paramedic in 2016. I started my career in Stevens County MN and moved to Jamestown ND in 2018 for my current role. I have loved my time here and have grown in unimaginable ways as I learn (and continue to learn) the foundations and structures of EMS from every angle. I have served 1 term on the Board of Directions for NDEMSA and during that time I had the opportunity to learn the inner workings of the association and became much more knowledgeable about the legislative process around EMS. If given the opportunity to serve a second term, my goal would be to become more involved in being an advocate for the people who continue to hold up the EMS system. I would request to be on every advocacy committee and work to push for meaningful change to our EMS system. I feel I have always been an outspoken voice that serves to educate the public about the struggles of the EMS system, but I want to ensure that the people who work tirelessly to keep the wheels turning, are being represented and heard. I love EMS. I love the people who work within it. And as I grow within my own role, I feel responsible to push for the change that this industry needs to see. 

Seth Murray

I am honored to submit my nomination for a position on the Southeast Region Board of Directors for the North Dakota EMS Association. As a dedicated paramedic with over eight years of experience at Sanford Ambulance, I bring a strong passion for EMS education and advocacy, together with a wealth of experience and a commitment to advancing the field of emergency medical services.

My journey in EMS began in high school in 2012, where I earned my EMR certification and discovered my passion for pre-hospital care. Since then, I have continued to grow in my career, earning my EMT certification in 2015 and graduating as a paramedic from the North Dakota State College of Science in 2018. At Sanford Ambulance, I have had the privilege of serving in various roles, including as an EMT and a paramedic. This has deepened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the EMS profession.

Beyond fieldwork, I am deeply vested in EMS education and outreach. For the past year and a half, I have served as the Explorers Education Coordinator at Sanford Health EMS Education. In this capacity, I have worked to introduce high school students to pre-hospital careers through in-school programs such as dual-credit EMR courses, fostering a pipeline of future EMS professionals. These dual-credit programs provide high school students with college credits and hands-on experience in emergency medical services.

If elected, I will bring my passion for education, my dedication to professional development, and my firsthand experience as a field provider to the NDEMSA board. I am committed to supporting initiatives that enhance EMS training, promote career pathways, and address the needs of providers across the Southeast Region. I believe that together, we can ensure that EMS in our region remains resilient, innovative, and impactful.

Thank you for considering my nomination. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and success of NDEMSA.

Sincerely,
Seth Murray

Bio

Seth has been involved in EMS since high school in 2012, when he earned his EMR certification. He completed EMT training in 2015 and graduated from paramedic school in 2018 at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS). Seth has been a dedicated member of Sanford Ambulance since 2016, working as both an EMT and a paramedic.

Currently, Seth serves as the Explorers Education Coordinator at Sanford Health EMS Education, a role he began in 2023. He is committed to bringing innovative programs to local high schools, including dual credit EMR courses, to inspire and prepare the next generation for careers in pre-hospital healthcare. Seth’s passion lies in educating and empowering students to explore and pursue opportunities in emergency medicine.

Hannah Zaun is an EMT and RN for Cooperstown Ambulance Service and the Chief Nursing Officer for Dakota Regional Medical Center and Griggs County Care Center in Cooperstown North Dakota.  Originally from Texas and a veteran of the United States Air Force, she has chosen to put all of her experience and efforts into making rural health a better experience for all involved.  She is a graduate of Mayville State University with a Bachelors in Nursing and received her EMT through Sanford EMS.  An ER nurse by trade, Hannah has a passion for emergency medicine, mental health, policy change and increasing resources and services in rural healthcare. 

Southwest Region Candidates

Amy Kruger

Amy is a passionate paramedic and education director with Metro Area Ambulance over 10 years of experience in the emergency medical services (EMS) field. She is dedicated to enhancing the quality of EMS training and ensuring that both current and future practitioners are equipped with the skills they need to provide exceptional care.

Throughout her career, she has implemented training programs that align with national and state standards. Commitment to education has not only improved learner outcomes but has also fostered a culture of continuous improvement within our organization.

During her time in EMS Amy has continued to also help support the community of New Salem as a paramedic and their training officer as well. She recently took on a role as New Salem City Emergency coordinator to help with the needs that New Salem could face in an emergency event.

When she’s not working, Amy enjoys spending time with her family, exploring North Dakota and looking for a new place to vacation to recharge for the next class or call that may happen.

 With a strong belief in lifelong learning, she continues to seek out opportunities for professional growth and development. Amy believes that learning is never done and everyday can give you a new experience. 

Kyle Michels

Dear EMS Colleagues,

I humbly submit my nomination for re-election as your Southwest Region Director for the North Dakota EMS Association. Over the past four years, I have had the privilege to serve you, working alongside many dedicated professionals who are committed to the betterment of our EMS community. Our journey together has been rewarding, and I am incredibly grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me thus far.

Reflecting on our shared accomplishments, I am especially proud of the success we’ve seen with the Southwest Conference and the monthly SW Region Thinktanks. These have been vital opportunities for us to connect, collaborate, and grow as a region. Through these initiatives, we’ve been able to have meaningful discussions and address challenges in ways that impact our daily work on the ground.

As a member of several important committees, I’ve been fortunate to witness firsthand the strides we’ve made in mental health support and resilience for EMS providers. These efforts are vital to ensuring we not only care for those in need but also for ourselves, so we can continue to serve our communities with the care they deserve. I am proud of the progress we’ve made and remain committed to this vital cause.

Looking ahead, I would be honored to continue representing your voice for another two years. Our members are the heart of this association, and as we move forward, I will continue to listen, advocate, and work tirelessly to ensure that your concerns are heard and addressed. This is a member-driven association, and it is only by working together that we can achieve the progress we all seek.

I humbly ask for your vote and support as we continue this important work. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together in the years to come.

Regards,

Kyle Michels 

Darrell West

My name is Darrell West, a current Southwest board member asking for your vote. As a member or the NDEMSA board representing the Southwest, I have worked hard with the other members or the Southwest to put on one of the best regional conferences in the state. I enjoy working with other districts within the state on the yearly state conference to bring high quality education to our members. As a Southwest board, we are currently holding monthly meetings with squad leaders as well as squad members to try and address issues within EMS in the Southwest as well as statewide. I work fulltime for West River Ambulance and a volunteer for Bowman Ambulance. I have a direct knowledge of issues we face from staffing issues to pay for EMS staff. I have been a board member of the Bowman County Rural Ambulance District since 2014. If elected to another term I will continue to work with our Southwest board and full state board to help improve EMS in North Dakota. Thank you for your support.     

Sean Roed

Greetings to all.

I am writing to ask for your support and vote for my re-election as a director in the Northeast Region of the North Dakota EMS Association. 

I began my involvement with EMS at 16 years of age, working as an ECT. Immediately after graduating high school in 1994, I attained my EMT role,  completed EMT-Intermediate in 1995, and then achieved my Paramedic position in 1996. For the past 31 years, I have been a full-time employee with Lake Region Ambulance Service in Devils Lake, where I currently serve as the Director of Operations. I recently graduated from Lake Region State College with a Certification in Community Paramedicine. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Medical Services Administration, and have my Master’s Degree in Emergency Management, graduating both Summa Cum Laude. I am a member of the National Honor Society Omega Nu Lambda. Currently, I am enrolled in the Doctoral Program for Emergency Management.

In addition to running LR Ambulance Service’s daily operations, I am also an active Instructor/Coordinator, having had the privilege of teaching many EMR, EMT, and AEMT classes throughout the years. I have also had the honor of being guest instructor for Lake Region State College’s Police Officer Training Program, having now taught over 70 classes to help prepare our state’s future Law Enforcement Officers. I am an active firefighter, having volunteered with the Devils Lake Rural Fire Department and serving as a Captain for 12 years, before moving to the Devils Lake City Fire Department for the past 18 years, where I am currently serving in the Rehab sector. Additionally, I have been active in the establishment of and participant in our area’s Rescue Task Force, which coordinates with local law enforcement, fire department, and EMS agencies. I have also been active with the regions SWAT team, the regions first Drone Team, and I am the sitting chairman of the newly developed Lake Region Joint Training Facility, which provides training for all region First Responders. In conjunction with that goal is to continue to develop a Joint Training Facility that can better educate and facilitate our community and several other surrounding communities. I have recently been working closely with CMS, AAA, and NAEMT to help ensure that we are prepared for the future roles of EMS.

I enjoy giving back to my community and besides being an active member of both the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, I also sit on several boards throughout my community and throughout the state. I am the co-chair for the Lake Region Suicide Prevention Coalition, President of the Board of Directors for Safe Alternatives of Abused Families (SAAF), Board of Directors for Region III Homeless Coalition, Devils Lake High School LACTC Health Careers Board, Lake Region Emergency Planning Committee, Homeless VETs Coalition, ND Vision Zero Plan Steering Committee, and several others.

While attaining personal and educational growth is important to me, so is the encouraging of progress and endurance within my agency and community. For that reason, I have been working diligently on writing grants for my agency and several others within the community.

On a personal note, I live in Devils Lake with my wife of 22 years, Tammie, who is an RN (I hardly ever hold that against her). We have two wonderful children: our son Michael, who is 23 years old, and our daughter Tawnee, who is 16 and is a Junior in Highschool. My family is my absolute world.

I am looking forward to continuing to serve on the NE Board of Directors for NDEMSA, giving a voice to the agencies in the NE and helping the citizens of our Region and great state of North Dakota.

Bill Tuttle

I am an AEMT with Drayton Volunteer Ambulance Service. I started volunteering with DVAS in 1978 to 1980 as an ECT then EMT while in high school. Upon graduation from high school, I enlisted into the USAF, taking a break EMS from 1980 to 1991.  Since then, I obtained EMT certification in 1991, EMT-I in 1996 and AEMT in 2016. I am currently a crew leader, AHA instructor, and ECSI instructor.  I also serve as the Drayton representative on the Pembina County EMS Board of Directors. 

I have extensive leadership experience, serving several terms as president of the local union of the American Federation of Grain Millers, at the Drayton sugar manufacturing plant from 1985-2007.  As a labor leader I served on several state-wide committees’ including Workers Compensation Advisory Council, Train-ND NE Workforce Training Committee, ND AFL-CIO, and the ND Motorcycle Safety Program Advisory Committee with NDDOT.  Serving in those roles has provided me opportunities to speak before legislative committees and meet with local legislators, congressional representatives, and state officers to bring forward important issues that impact the citizens of ND.  In December 2017 I completed EMS Leadership Academy.  I currently serve on several NDEMSA committees, and volunteer time assisting the ND EMS Foundation.

I am employed fulltime as a diesel truck and trailer mechanic at Helm Enterprises in Drayton.  My employer assists in allowing me to leave work when a 911 call comes in.  My hobbies are ice fishing, hunting, camping, motorcycling and politics.

Elected to NDEMSA as NE Region Director in 2017 and nearing completion of a fourth  two-year term, I am asking for your continued support, and your vote.  I would like the opportunity to continue the important work NDEMSA does on behalf of you, our members.   I may be reached at 701-520-1486 or bill.tuttle61@gmail.com and would be happy visit with you or your agency.  It has been my privilege to serve the EMS community. Thank You.

Northwest Region Candidates

Jessica Gillies

My name is Jessica Gillies, and I am originally from Sturgis, South Dakota. I have always had a passion for the medical field but after a little trial and error I found my true passion in public safety. What I mean by that is I graduated high school early, determined and moved to Minnesota where I enrolled in a nursing program. While going through the nursing program, I did not find the thrill that I was looking for and decided to get my EMT certification. I moved back to South Dakota and joined a volunteer department to gain experience while I went to paramedic school. I obtained my paramedic certification and was offered a position as a fire fighter/ paramedic with Williston Fire Department. I then moved to North Dakota and that has been the best decision that I have ever made. I have the best job in the world, met my amazing husband and have two beautiful children.

Since moving to Williston in 2016, I have gained invaluable experience and moved through the ranks from fire fighter/ paramedic to Field Training Officer, EMS Supervisor, EMS Lieutenant and now Training Captain. I have also accomplished getting my critical care paramedic, tactical paramedic, teaching license and currently working on finishing my bachelor’s degree in education. Since starting my career in Williston, I immediately took a role in teaching and have been an integral part of building our training and education programs within the department. Now as Training Captain, I have been able to completely transform and implement a brand new training system within the department to better align with ISO and state requirements, assist in teaching EMT certification course at the Williston High School, as well as develop and coordinate a brand new fire fighter program with the Williston High School.

This career has been the most rewarding journey to me. Even though I am only just beginning, I have accomplished a lot and strive to continue to grow and develop within this profession and ask for your support in furthering this love by representing the Northwest Region. 

Corey Johnson

My name is Corey Johnson.  I began my career in public safety in 2008 as a volunteer firefighter in Western Pennsylvania.  Shortly after, I obtained my EMT certification and pursued working and volunteering in EMS.  I continued my journey, obtained my Paramedic certification, and began teaching.  Before leaving Pennsylvania, I was an EMS Supervisor for a regional ALS ambulance service and part of the Pennsylvania EMS Strike Team.  The EMS Strike Team was a statewide team of EMS services that would deploy nationwide for disasters.  I was also an active instructor for Bucks County Community College, specializing in EMS and Hazardous Materials Response programs. 

I moved to Williston in 2016 to accept a position with the City of Williston Fire Department.  I worked through the ranks within the department to my current position as the Assistant Chief of Operations.  EMS and education have also been important to me, and I was able to use my past experiences to help build training and education programs in Williston to aid in our recruitment and retention efforts as the organization grew.  I helped lead the efforts to develop a local EMS Training Institute, NAEMT Training Site, and American Red Cross Training Site.  After developing our internal process, I also worked to bring initial certification programs to our local school district by creating a partnership with the CTE program.  Today, this program provides a pathway for both EMS and firefighting certifications. 

This profession means the world to me, and I have been blessed to be as involved as I have been.  I look forward to further opportunities to grow and develop and ask for your support in furthering my passion by representing the NW Region.  

Ryan Mickelsen

I am honored to be considered as a nominee to represent the NW Region for our member association.  I have a passion for rural health and have dedicated my professional career to serving my community in healthcare administration as well as my local ambulance service.  I believe sustaining our rural local ambulance services is vitally important to our community success.   Thank you for your consideration.

Terry Payer, Jr.

EMS Leader, Educator, and Innovator in Emergency Care

Terry Payer, Jr. is a seasoned EMS leader and educator with a proven track record of excellence in healthcare leadership and emergency medical education. As the Director of EMS, Terry has transformed operational systems, developed comprehensive training programs, and cultivated a culture of collaboration and innovation within EMS teams.  

Terry brings a wealth of knowledge, holding advanced credentials such as a Master’s degree in Public Safety Leadership and Administration from Arizona State University and certifications as a Critical Care Paramedic (CCP-C) and Nationally Registered Paramedic (NRP). With expertise in EMS program development, he has successfully implemented courses at both college and high school levels, mentoring future healthcare professionals and advancing the field of emergency medical care.  

Dedicated to improving patient outcomes, Terry has spearheaded initiatives focused on quality care and patient satisfaction. His instructional roles at Methodist University and Turtle Mountain Community College highlight his commitment to fostering education and professional growth.  

A transformational leader, Terry thrives on challenges, leveraging his skills in crisis prevention, curriculum development, and strategic planning to elevate EMS standards. He is also deeply involved in community outreach and professional organizations, demonstrating a passion for making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients, students, and colleagues.