A Message from the Vice President 

It is an honor to welcome you to the Tennessee Association of EMS Providers.

I am truly honored and humbled to have been elected Vice President of TAEMSP. This is a responsibility—and a trust—that I do not take lightly.

When I first became involved with TAEMSP, I never imagined where this journey would take me. I simply wanted to be involved, help where I could, and be part of something that could make a difference for EMS providers across Tennessee. To now have the opportunity to serve as Vice President is something for which I am incredibly grateful.

EMS has given me so much throughout my career. It has challenged me, taught me, introduced me to some incredible people, and provided opportunities I never expected. It has helped shape who I am—not only as a clinician, educator, and leader, but also as a person. Because of that, I feel a responsibility to give something back to this profession and, more importantly, to the people who make it what it is.

Tennessee EMS is made up of extraordinary people serving communities of every size. Although our uniforms, certifications, responsibilities, agencies, and experiences may differ, we share a common purpose: caring for others when they need us most. That shared mission should unite us and remind us that every provider has something valuable to contribute.

One of my greatest commitments as Vice President will be making sure the voices of Tennessee EMS providers are heard.

Whether you are an EMR, EMT, AEMT, paramedic, educator, supervisor, administrator, medical director, student, or someone just beginning your journey in EMS, you deserve to know that your voice matters.

The people working on ambulances, responding in their communities, educating future professionals, leading agencies, and caring for patients every day deserve a meaningful voice in the future of our profession. Your experiences, concerns, ideas, successes, challenges, and recommendations should help guide the work of this association.

I want TAEMSP to be an organization that listens.

An organization that communicates openly.

An organization that brings people together.

And, most importantly, an organization that is willing to take action on the issues that matter to Tennessee EMS providers.

We must be willing to speak up for Tennessee EMS while creating opportunities for providers themselves to participate in the conversations and decisions affecting our profession.

TAEMSP should be an organization providers can turn to for education, professional development, meaningful connections, support, and strong advocacy. No provider should ever feel that their voice matters less because of their certification level, job title, agency size, geographic location, or years of experience.

Whether you serve in one of Tennessee’s rural communities, a growing suburban area, or one of our largest cities, your perspective is important and deserves to be represented.

As I begin this new chapter, I look forward to working with EMS providers across this great state. I want to hear your ideas. I want to hear your concerns. I want to celebrate your successes, and I want to understand the challenges you face.

TAEMSP should be an organization where providers know they have a voice, know someone is listening, and know there are people willing to stand beside them and advocate for the future of our profession.

But progress will require more than the work of a President, Vice President, or a few board members.

It will take all of us.

It will require open communication, cooperation, collaboration, and active participation from providers across Tennessee. We must continue building partnerships among field providers, EMS agencies, educators, medical directors, students, and organizations that share our commitment to advancing EMS.

I am excited and proud to serve alongside President Joe Herrell and our entire Board of Directors as we continue moving TAEMSP forward. Every member of this board brings different experiences, perspectives, ideas, and strengths to the table, and I believe that is exactly what we need to build an association that truly represents EMS across Tennessee.

I truly believe some of the greatest things we accomplish will come from working together—not as individuals or titles, but as one board with one shared purpose: serving Tennessee EMS providers.

I believe TAEMSP has an opportunity to create something lasting—an association that brings people together, develops future leaders, recognizes those serving our communities, supports providers throughout their careers, and helps shape a stronger future for Tennessee EMS.

That work will be guided by four important principles:

ADVOCACY | UNITY | PROGRESSION | ENGAGEMENT

These cannot simply be words we place on a graphic or underneath a logo. They should be reflected in what we do, how we communicate, how we serve our members, and how we represent Tennessee EMS.

No matter what part of Tennessee you call home, what level of license you hold, or what type of service you work for, I hope we can continue building stronger connections across our EMS community.

This association belongs to Tennessee EMS providers, and your voice will help shape where we go next.

You do not have to hold a title to make a difference. Every voice, every idea, and every provider can help move our profession forward.

As I often say:

“You don’t have to change the whole world. Change the part you’ve been trusted with, and build something worth remembering.”

I also want to personally thank everyone who has encouraged me, supported me, trusted me, and believed in me along the way. There have been many people who have helped shape my journey, opened doors, offered advice, challenged me to become better, and stood beside me. I would not be where I am today without them, and I will never forget the people who helped me get here.

I am thankful for the confidence that has been placed in me, and I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to serve this association.

There is plenty of work ahead of us. We will not accomplish everything overnight, and meaningful progress rarely happens that way. But I believe we have an incredible opportunity in front of us to strengthen TAEMSP, grow our association, build relationships across our state, and create something that will continue making a difference long after our individual terms are over.

The future of Tennessee EMS belongs to all of us. Let’s make sure every provider has a voice as we build it together.

I’m excited for what comes next.

I am honored and privileged to serve as your Vice President, and I’m ready to get to work.

Here’s to the future of TAEMSP and Tennessee EMS. 

Alex Smith
Vice President
Tennessee Association of EMS Providers