EMSAC Board of Directors Meeting

March 23, 2026

Members present include:

• Addy Bristol,
• Brandon Chambers
• Brandon Daruna,
• David Patterson,
• Nick Nudell,
• Richard Cornelius,
• Scott Sholes,
• Tim Dienst and
• Tom Anderson

• Ashley Montoya, executive director,
• Howard Paul, communications director,
• Kim Schallenberger, awards committee,
• Michael Bateman, CDPHE EMTS branch chief,
• Madyson Klaevemann, SAVVIK Co-op and
• Zach Alvey, communications committee

Executive Summary

The Board of Directors meeting focused on a critical juncture of organizational transition, strategic visioning, and legislative success. Key highlights included the unanimous House passage of Bill 1069, the selection of a vendor for the 2026–2031 strategic plan, and the ongoing operational handover as the organization prepares for a post-Civica management structure.

Administrative Opening

The meeting was called to order by Tom Anderson following a successful roll call and confirmation of quorum. Before proceeding, the board expanded the "New Business" agenda to include three pivotal topics: the strategic planning process, the upcoming Management RFP, and Management Association discussions. The January meeting minutes and the amended agenda were approved without opposition.

Financial Performance & Operational Transitions

Financial Oversight Ashley and Tim presented a comprehensive year-end review. Membership dues reached approximately 93% of projections ($73,499.36). While the 2025 conference yielded a healthy net profit of $74,467.60, the board noted that rising food and beverage costs would necessitate a budget adjustment for the 2026 cycle. As of late January, total assets stood at $356,554.90. Despite a temporary negative income trend due to revenue timing, the board formally approved the financial statements.

Management Transition The transition away from Civica is in full swing, with a contract horizon set for June 30. Ashley detailed the internal turnover process involving volunteer leaders and future management teams. The "Dempsey" initiative remains the primary operational focus during this handover period to ensure no loss of momentum.

Member Services & Vendor Relations (SAVVIK)

Madyson Klaevemann introduced the latest SAVVIK Co-op updates, emphasizing the program's goal of saving members time by streamlining procurement.

• Procurement: Major contracts are active for medical equipment and stretchers, alongside a redesigned SAVIC app and store featuring vendors like 5.11 and Liberty.

• Travel & Logistics: The integration of the InGen travel platform and fixed-price Hertz rental agreements provides tangible cost savings for members.

• Outreach: To maximize these resources, Madyson committed to creating a robust welcome/onboarding package, with a specific focus on engaging educators at the May conference.

Advocacy, Policy, and Communications

Legislative Success Timothy reported a significant win: Bill 1069 passed the House unanimously. In a strategic move to secure gubernatorial support, payment for telehealth and Alternative Destinations (TAD) was intentionally omitted from this version, with plans to reintroduce those components next year.

Branch and Regulatory Updates Michael Bateman briefed the board on Chapter 2 scope revisions, which will consolidate medication formularies and expand paramedic authorized acts to include blood products and TXA. Additionally, the EMSAC Compact continues to grow, now spanning six states.

Communications The committee highlighted the success of the 16-page legislative briefing book. Future plans include member-contributed articles regarding EMS operations in Ukraine and prolonged field care. The group is also conducting an ethical and resource review for a potential TikTok presence.

Committee & Task Force Reports

• Symposium Planning: Troy reported that the Pueblo Symposium (May 14–16) currently has 20 registered attendees and four vendors. The team is currently working to reassign presentation slots following a speaker withdrawal.

• IFT Task Force: The task force is reassessing its long-term purpose. Michael Bateman clarified that the department supports the group’s continuation and will provide a decision worksheet to help evaluate its deliverables and feasibility.

• Sustainability & CMD: The sustainability workgroup is drafting its fourth-phase report, while the CMD requested that all members complete the Leadership HR Priority Survey ahead of their June meeting.

Strategic Planning & Future Governance

Vendor Selection The board reviewed two distinct proposals for the strategic plan. After debating a comprehensive $28,000 package versus a $4,000 facilitated retreat model, the board reached a consensus on Option Two. Members favored the cost-effective approach that utilizes pre-meeting surveys and a two-day retreat to draft 1, 3, and 5-year goals.

Internal Governance * Board Roles: Brandon Chambers introduced draft job descriptions to clarify expectations for board members. Formal bylaw updates regarding these roles will be deferred until the strategic plan is finalized.

• New Committees: A Fundraising Committee was established, with Heather Morris stepping up to chair.

• Vacancies: Due to Heather Morris’s relocation, a vacancy was declared for Region 4. The Bylaws Committee will present recommendations for filling this seat at the next meeting.

Closing

The meeting concluded with a brief look at a new financial modeling tool introduced by Nick, which includes a "plug-and-play" revenue calculator for member agencies. Following travel notices from Tom, the meeting was adjourned.

Key Action Items

• Onboarding: Madyson K. to distribute the new SAVIC member welcome materials.

• Governance: Brandon C. to circulate MSEP board job descriptions for feedback.

• Strategic Planning: Tom A. to distribute facilitator proposals and schedule the Option Two retreat.

• RFP: The subcommittee (Tim, Richard, Addy, etc.) will meet to finalize the management RFP within 30 days.

• Outreach: Danny B. to add the Colorado Rural Health Center conference (April 16–17) to the statewide calendar.