The Wisconsin EMS Association Announces Board of Directors for 2025 Fiscal Year
Wind Lake, WI — The Wisconsin EMS Association (WEMSA) is pleased to announce its Board of Directors for the 2025 Fiscal Year. We welcome three new board members and congratulate one current WEMSA board member for being re-elected for another three year term. We extend our sincere gratitude to outgoing Board Members Tony Lash, Stacey Zellmer, and Jody Stoker for their dedicated service and lasting contributions to our organization.
Tony Lash has served on the Executive Committee in the role of President, providing strong leadership and strategic direction during his tenure. His commitment to the advancement of WEMSA and the EMS profession has been instrumental in shaping the organization's vision and growth.
Stacey Zellmer, also a member of the Executive Committee, served as Vice President and contributed significantly through her work on both the Education Committee and the Membership Committee. Her insight and dedication have played a key role in enhancing member engagement and professional development opportunities.
Jody Stoker, a member of the Advocacy Committee, has served as a Board member for the past six years. His insights and guidance as the Fire Chief of a large fire-based EMS system, which serves a large geographic region, has been instrumental in the direction advocacy for our association.
We are deeply appreciative of Tony, Stacey, and Jody’s service, leadership, and tireless efforts on behalf of our members and the EMS community statewide.
Ryan Huser re-elected to another board term!
Ryan Huser continues his service on the WEMSA Board of Directors, bringing 17 years of experience in EMS education and leadership. Ryan currently serves as the Lead Paramedic Instructor and Program Director at Mid-State Technical College, where he also teaches in the Critical Care Program and develops training initiatives like the EMS Instructor Fellowship.
In addition to his educational work, Ryan is the Assistant Chief and Training Officer for Ripon Guardian Ambulance Service, where he has developed onboarding programs, a QA/QI system, and a robust training committee. His field experience spans multiple services and regions across Wisconsin, giving him an in-depth understanding of EMS at both local and state levels.
Ryan is passionate about improving mental health care access for EMS providers, increasing training opportunities, and expanding rural EMS care. He has served on numerous state-level committees, including the DHS Data and Quality Management Subcommittee, and received the American Ambulance Association’s 40-Under-40 Award in 2021. Welcome back, Ryan!
Welcome Ashley Carothers!
Ashley Carothers proudly serves as an Emergency Medical Responder with Bloomer Community Ambulance Service and has been involved in EMS since 2018, beginning her career with Cornell Area Ambulance Service. Living in Cornell, Wisconsin, Ashley is deeply connected to her rural community and passionate about the vital role EMS plays in ensuring public health and safety.
With seven years of field experience, Ashley brings expertise in EMS operations, legislative advocacy, community outreach, and event planning. She has previously served on WEMSA’s Political Action Committee, contributing to meaningful legislative discussions to support EMS across the state. Her passion lies in improving provider mental health and wellness, strengthening recruitment and retention, and advocating for the recognition and sustainability of EMS through better legislative support.
Ashley sees her appointment to the WEMSA Board as a unique opportunity to grow as a leader while advocating for EMS providers at all levels. Her firsthand knowledge of rural EMS challenges makes her a strong voice for underserved communities. Welcome, Ashley!
Welcome Jamie Stephenson!
Jamie Stephenson returns to the WEMSA Board of Directors with nearly two decades of EMS experience. Jamie currently
serves as an EMS Education Specialist at UW Health’s Emergency Education Center and provides care through Brodhead Area EMS. His EMS background spans volunteer, fire-based, hospital-based, and career services, giving him a unique perspective on EMS from multiple angles.
Jamie first joined the WEMSA Board in 2018 and served through 2023, contributing to impactful legislative and educational initiatives. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from UW-Oshkosh and has remained a strong advocate for staffing, professional development, and collaboration across the EMS landscape. Jamie believes that access to quality continuing education and fair compensation are essential to advancing EMS as a profession.
Jamie lives in Brodhead with his wife, Sara, and their two children. In their spare time, they enjoy traveling and camping together. Welcome Jamie!
Welcome Tyler Rush!
Tyler Rush is a full-time Paramedic and paid-per-call firefighter with the Black River Falls Fire Department, where he has
served since 2016. Based in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, Tyler brings six years of EMS experience and a strong rural perspective to the WEMSA Board of Directors.
His EMS journey began with part-time EMT work, but his passion quickly propelled him through AEMT and Paramedic certifications. Tyler graduated from the part-time Paramedic program at Western Technical College in 2024 and holds additional credentials as a BLS CPR Instructor, Emergency Services Instructor, and the Secretary/Treasurer for Black River Falls Fire Department.
Tyler is passionate about EMS education access, funding for rural EMS, and recruitment and retention of professionals at all skill levels. With a background in financial management, education, and community outreach, he brings strong leadership and strategic planning skills to the board. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys camping, hunting, and spending time with his wife Darby and their two children. Welcome, Tyler!
The WEMSA Board of Directors consists of the following individuals:
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Chanse Kaczmarski, EMT-P, Board President (2025 - 2026), Board Term (2024 - 2027)
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Evelynn Dax, EMT-P, Board Vice President, (2025 - 2026), Board Term (2023 - 2026)
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Jay Young, EMT, Board Treasurer (2021 - 2023), Board Term (2023 - 2026)
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Adam Robarge, EMT-P, Board Secretary (2025 - 2026), Board Term (2023 - 2026)
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Shaunna Bryant, EMT-P, Board Term (2024 - 2027)
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Ryan Huser, EMT-P, Board Term (2025 - 2028)
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Wyatt Sachen, EMT-A, Board Term (2023 - 2026)
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Becky Smudde, EMT, Board Term (2024 - 2027)
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Delaney Weiler, EMT-P, Board Term (2024 - 2027)
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Ashley Carothers, EMR, Board Term (2025 - 2028)
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Jamie Stephenson, EMT-P, Board Term (2025 - 2028)
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Tyler Rush, EMT-P, Board Term (2025 - 2028)
We would like to thank all of the candidates who applied for our Board of Directors who weren't elected this year. This is the third year in a row that we had a large number of candidates for members to vote for. We appreciate the increased member support for the association and its mission. Past candidates, and current members interested in our Board of Directors, are encouraged to apply again as every year our Board of Directors has four spots up for election.
“We are honored to welcome our newly elected board members, who bring diverse backgrounds and experiences across the state, which will strengthen WEMSA’s mission and impact. This year’s strong slate of candidates reflects the deep commitment of EMS professionals across Wisconsin to shape the future of our organization. We always encourage all members to engage in the association and participate in ways to steer what the future of EMS will be in Wisconsin.” stated Alan DeYoung, Executive Director of WEMSA.
If you are interested in joining a committee, you can get more information about the different committees at wisconsinems.com/get-involved!
We encourage members to be involved in our committees, attend committee meetings, and provide insights and perspectives into key areas of focus. If you are interested in joining a committee, please complete the WEMSA Committee Interest Form.
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The Wisconsin EMS Association is a nonprofit trade association that represents and supports the views and interests of its membership in Wisconsin communities by promoting education, sharing information, and facilitating legislative action.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Wisconsin EMS Association
Alan DeYoung, Executive Director
(414) 431-8193
alan@wisconsinems.com