Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency

Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency

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EMS Governance and Funding

Through key policy decisions made by the participating jurisdictions, it was agreed that EMS system design and administration is quite complex and best carried out by medical and business authorities who offer the necessary expertise. Medical responsibilities are carried out through the Clark County Medical Program Director. Decisions involving EMS system business, finance, and ambulance contacts are made by the EMS Administrative Board. This multi-jurisdictional advisory body is composed of citizen volunteers with expertise in business, finance, law, and health care administration.

Funding

The EMS Program is funded by the paramedic ambulance contractor.

EMS Administrative Board (EMSAB)

The EMS Administrative Board is established under the Uniform EMS Ordinance and EMS Interlocal Agreement, and is appointed by the County with staff support provided by the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency's (CRESA's) EMS Program. The members of EMSAB are all volunteer members of the community and are each highly qualified to advise and oversee the program.

Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board (EMSAB) Current Members

Michael J. Plymale, Chair (Finance Rep.)
Mr. Plymale has approximately 20 years of experience in municipal/non-profit and public accounting. Over the past 12 years, he has been operating his own accounting practice in Vancouver, Washington.

After receiving his degree in Business Administration from Washington State University, Mr. Plymale began working in Clark County's Accounting Department. He later assumed Chief Accountant responsibilities before leaving to start his own practice.

Mr. Plymale has served on a variety of professional and civic groups, some of which include: Washington Society of CPAs; BARS Local Government Advisory Committee to the State Auditor; Intergovernmental Audit Forum; Member and past Chairman t the Clark County Mental Health Advisory Board; East Vancouver Child Care Center Board of Directors; and Habitek Consortium.

Vicki Scheel (Business Rep.)
Ms. Scheel has extensive experience with 25+ years as an administrator or owner of convalescent/senior care facilities.

With a degree in Business Administration from University of Portland, Ms. Scheel currently serves as Administrator of Fort Vancouver Convalescent Center and owns two senior care facilities. Ms. Scheel serves on a variety of professional associations, including: Clark County Vulnerable Adult Task Force, Clark College Nursing Program Advisory Committee, and Washington Health Care Association Women in Leadership Committee.

Daniel Keteri (Health Care Administration Rep.)
Daniel Keteri has over 22 years of experience in healthcare management and administration. He is currently the Vice President of Patient Care Services at Southwest Washington Medical Center.

Mr. Keteri oversees 12 clinical directors and their departments including Emergency, Critical Care, Perioperative, Medical-Surgical, Behavioral Health, and Women's Services, as well as several outpatient programs. Daniel has experience as a registered nurse and has had progressive management roles at Southwest. He is pursuing his Masters Degree in Business at Marylhurst University.

Jerry Nies (At-Large Appt. by EMSAB, Insurance)
Jerry Nies has been in the insurance industry since 1972 when he started his own independent insurance company in Clark County. Over the years Mr. Nies has built the company to its current level of a 415 million premium agency with 29 employees.

Jerry Nies attended Western Washington University and completed the degree requirements for a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter. He is a state board member of the Washington Independent Agents Association, and currently serves as one of 20 members on the National Agents Council for Safeco Insurance.

Mr. Nies was a volunteer firefighter and EMT and served as the fire chief for the City of Battle Ground in the late 1980s. As Chief he instituted the first volunteer EMT D-fib program in SW Washington. He has served as President of the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce and was elected to the Battle Ground City Council in 1984.

Nancy Nellor Retsinas, Vice Chair (Legal Rep.)
Nancy Retsinas has over 13 years of legal experience, currently practicing as an attorney/shareholder in a private law firm.

Nancy Retsinas received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Oregon Law School. Nancy also is a Part-time Court Commissioner for Clark County Superior Court and Judge Pro Tem for Clark County District Court. She is currently a member of the Washington and Oregon State Bar Association, and the Family Law Section of the Clark County Bar Association. Nancy Retsinas has been chosen twice as the Volunteer Lawyer of the Year and twice nominated for the George C. Marshall Public Leadership Award.