08/28/2026
With Heartfelt Gratitude, I Bid You Farewell.
As I reflect on my 19 years with National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE), I am filled with deep gratitude for the relationships, growth, and shared purpose that have defined this journey. Thank you to everyone who has supported, motivated, and inspired me along the way. It has truly been an honor to serve this association and the EMS education community we so passionately represent.
I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Past President and close confidant Bryan Ericson for his outstanding leadership and vision and taking the necessary steps to move the association in the direction it needed to go. His steady guidance helped position NAEMSE for continued strength and relevance. I am equally grateful for the ongoing leadership of Dr. Bill Young and Dr. Lindi Holt, whose commitment and tireless support continue to move the mission forward.
Serving alongside so many exceptional board members has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. I have gained invaluable experience and insight from leaders such as past Treasurer Connie Mattera, whose wisdom, knowledge, and guidance left a lasting impact on me and the association. The lessons learned in those NAEMSE finance committee meetings will stay with me always.
Beyond leadership, I am especially thankful for the friendships formed over the years. Colleagues like Joe Grafft, Laurie Sheldon, Linda Abrhamson, Deb Akers, Dr. Nerina Stepanovsky and Dr. George Hatch, and I could go on and on, have made this journey meaningful and memorable. The camaraderie, shared laughter, worry, and collective dedication to excellence have been among the greatest rewards of my time here.
I want to take a moment to thank my staff for being part of my professional journey.
Over the years, we have shared challenges, successes, changes, and accomplishments. Working with such a diverse group of individuals has taught me many lessons and helped shape both my career and my life. I am grateful for the dedication, hard work, and professionalism that so many of you have brought to our team and organization.
I am especially thankful to those who offered support, encouragement, collaboration, and friendship along the way. Your kindness and commitment made many challenges easier and many successes more meaningful.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge my incredibly supportive family and my wife, who showed endless patience and understanding during the many nights I spent working on the computer and the extended periods I was away from home.
The dozens of people who personally approached me at the symposium in Reno to thank me, wish me well, and even invite me into their homes should I ever visit their cities were truly overwhelming. Hearing their heartfelt appreciation for everything I had done over the past eight years as NAEMSE Executive Director meant more to me than I can adequately express.
While I am deeply grateful for their kindness and generosity, I honestly felt that such praise was more than I deserved. I was simply honored to have had the opportunity to serve NAEMSE and knowing that my efforts had made a difference in the lives of so many people is something I will carry with me with immense gratitude.
Now, after 19 remarkable years, it is time for me to bid farewell and spend more time with the family and grandkids. I leave the association resilient and healthy, and I do so with confidence, pride, and immense gratitude.
As I step away, I do so with confidence, knowing the association is in the strong and capable leadership of Dr. Charles Foat.
I leave you with these words from John F. Kennedy:
“The courage to try — to begin despite fear or uncertainty — is the seed of all success” -- John F. Kennedy
Until we meet again,
Stephen
