Our Story

Our Mission

Our Leadership

The LifeNet Story

30 years ago, two Texarkana hospitals, CHRISTUS St. Michael and Wadley Regional Medical center recognized the strength in working together to serve the out-of-hospital patient care needs of the community. In 1993, the hospitals merged their ground and air ambulance programs into one company and called the new business LifeNet, Inc.

Today, nearly 350,000 people depend on LifeNet for ground ambulance service across Northeast Texas, Southwest Arkansas, and portions of Oklahoma. LifeNet now operates as an independent, non-profit company incorporated in the state of Arkansas and is overseen by a 15-member board of directors.

Started as Air Life by CHRISTUS St. Michael hospital in 1983, the LifeNet Air medical program is the oldest operating helicopter EMS program in the state of Arkansas. Through a partnership with Air Methods, LifeNet has helicopters at both the Texarkana, Hot Springs and Daingerfield Texas. The three bases have flown more than 15,000 patients and provide service throughout three states. LifeNet also operates a fixed wing ambulance out of Texarkana.

While LifeNet is known for putting the patient first and providing quality EMS service, there’s more.

LifeNet is also committed to improving education in the communities we serve. Through its generous tuition reimbursement program, LifeNet has helped EMTs become paramedics, paramedics become nurses, and other staff members to become teachers, business professionals, and even attorneys.

Recognizing it is important for the citizens who witness an emergency happen to be trained in how to respond until help arrives, LifeNet also provides free Stroke Awareness Education Programs, Stop the Bleed Training Classes, and 9-1-1 training for all age groups. LifeNet also works to improve sudden cardiac arrest survival rates by offering free Bystander CPR and AED Use classes and an AED Matching Grant program for non-profits.

2023 marked 30 years of patient care, employee enrichment and lives that have been saved. We are celebrating the employees that have been with LifeNet since the hospital days, and the new employees and children that now work on our trucks. LifeNet is celebrating the past, but looking towards the future as we continue to better ourselves as a company, an EMS provider, but ultimately as healthcare providers, serving our communities each day.

CAAS-Accredited

LifeNet is in the one percent of ground ambulance services nationally to be CASS accredited. In 2019, LifeNet earned its accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) for the fifth time since first becoming accredited in 2000. To receive accreditation renewal, LifeNet had to meet over 100 standards set by CAAS covering structure, interagency relations, management, finance, community relations and public affairs, human resources, clinical standards, safety and risk management, equipment and facilities, and communication centers.

After reviewing a comprehensive application that covered LifeNet’s policies, procedures, and protocols, CAAS inspectors visited LifeNet’s three divisions in 2021 and conducted a detailed two-day inspection. The visit included checking facilities, reviewing procedures and protocols, and interviewing personnel. This was the seventh time since 2000 that inspectors have done in-depth, on-site reviews of LifeNet Inc.. In 2024, LifeNet’s 8th review took place awarding another 3 year accreditation. The next review will take place in 2027. 

  While accreditation is not required to run a ground ambulance service, LifeNet is committed to excellence and putting the patient first. By undergoing recertification every three years, LifeNet ensures the company is providing the best EMS service possible in each service area.

OUR MISSION

Connecting our community to the right care, in the right place, at the right time. We put people first.

OUR VALUES

Service: Serve others as if they were family.

Teamwork: We act as one.

Respect: Respect ourselves and others.

Integrity: Always do the right thing.

Compassion: Caring for all

OUR VISION

Be an exceptional healthcare resource for a safer community.

Over time, our vision must evolve to reflect our growing capabilities
and the changing health care industry of which we are a part.

Our vision is to be the intuitive choice for customers seeking experts to provide high quality, affordable, financially sound, and innovative ambulance service.

Our Leadership

Corporate

Alyssa Moore
Chief Executive Officer
About Alyssa
Alyssa Moore

Alyssa Moore

Chief Executive Officer

Originally born in Texas, Alyssa grew up in the deep South between Alabama and Oklahoma and cherishes her southern roots. Since 2001, Alyssa has called Texarkana home. Joining LifeNet in November 2021 as the Chief Financial Officer, Alyssa now serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Her educational journey includes graduating from Texarkana College, Texas A&M University-Texarkana, and Harvard Business School. These experiences have significantly contributed to her successful career in higher education and healthcare. Throughout her career, Alyssa has been fortunate to have supervisors and colleagues who served as mentors and change agents, allowing her the freedom to be creative and foster impactful environments. This growth in experience, responsibilities, and accomplishments has prepared her well for the CEO position at LifeNet.

As CEO, Alyssa prioritizes taking care of the employees who, in turn, take care of the patients, and collaborating with community stakeholders to meet the needs of the cities and counties they serve. Ensuring that strategies align with the company’s mission, vision, core values, and financial sustainability is also a key responsibility. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys watching sports, reading, cooking from scratch, refinishing furniture, spending time outdoors, and being with her kids and grandkids. A fun fact about Alyssa is that she was born during an ice storm—in May—in southern Texas.

Adam Oliver
Chief Operating Officer
About Adam
Adam Oliver

Adam Oliver

Chief Operating Officer

Adam is from Blanchard, Louisiana which is just north of Shreveport. He is a paramedic and a nurse and most of his paramedic career has been around hospital-based EMS and the air medical industry. Adam’s nursing experience is rooted in the intensive care and emergency room areas. He has 12 years of flight experience between two programs and has spent time in management and quality improvement roles while in his nursing, EMS, and air medical positions.

Adam has been at LifeNet as the Director of Integrated Health since May 2024. Under the title of Director of Integrated Health, he oversees the Air Division and Community Health Paramedicine Programs.

During his free time, he loves to be outdoors where he enjoys fishing, hunting, golf, and hiking. Adam’s has been married to his wife, Jessie, for 14 years and together they have two very active kids Liam 8, and Andie 3. A fun fact about Adam is that he is the Mayor of Gilliam, Louisiana a small farming village where he calls home.

Amy Coleman
Chief Financial Officer
About Amy
Amy Coleman

Amy Coleman

Chief Financial Officer

Originally from Texarkana, Amy spent her childhood moving around due to her father’s work, living in San Antonio, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Philadelphia before returning to Texarkana in sixth grade. After attending Baylor University in Waco, TX, she returned to Texarkana, where she has lived ever since. Amy joined LifeNet in May 2024 as the Chief Financial Officer, overseeing billing, budgeting, and all financial aspects of the company.

With a BBA in Accounting from Baylor University and an MBA from Texas A&M at Texarkana, Amy has a wealth of experience, including 30 years at a local business where she rose to the position of controller. Amy then served as the CFO at Southwest AR Counseling & Mental Health Center, a non-profit community mental health center, for four years. This role ignited her passion for non-profits, recognizing the crucial impact of finance and accounting in ensuring organizational viability. In her free time, Amy enjoys spending time in church and studying the Word of God, supporting her daughter Rebecca in her varsity tennis matches, attending estate sales, and traveling, especially to the beach and lake.

José Guadarrama
Chief Human Resources Officer
About José
José Guadarrama

José Guadarrama

Chief Human Resources Officer

José Guadarrama is an accomplished Human Resources Professional with a proven track record of leading enterprise-wide HR strategy, organizational transformation, and workforce development across healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, education, and public sector organizations. With over two decades of progressive leadership experience, he is recognized for driving business results through people-centered strategies, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to integrity and inclusion.

Currently serving as Chief Human Resources Officer at LIFENET, José oversees the full spectrum of human resources functions for a multi-state emergency medical services organization with more than 400 employees. He is responsible for designing and executing HR strategies that support organizational growth, enhance employee engagement, and ensure compliance across complex regulatory environments.

Prior to his current role, José served as Senior Human Resources Business Partner at OU Health, where he supported one of Oklahoma’s largest healthcare systems with over 12,000 employees. In this role, he provided strategic guidance on employee relations, organizational design, leadership development, and change management, while ensuring compliance with Joint Commission and Department of Labor standards. His leadership helped strengthen workforce engagement, align HR initiatives with business priorities, and support critical response planning for emergencies and operational disruptions.

José’s expertise spans strategic human resources planning, employee relations, organizational development, compliance, compensation and benefits, labor relations, HRIS implementation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. He is known for his ability to lead high-performing teams, influence executive decision-making, and build cultures that foster accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.

He holds a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma Christian University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Oklahoma. He is fluent in Spanish and holds dual citizenship in the United States and Mexico. José enjoys spending time with his family, OU sporting events, traveling, and watching Netflix and Prime movies.

Support Services

Jason Gartner
Director of Revenue Cycle
About Jason
Jason Gartner

Jason Gartner

Director of Revenue Cycle

Jason Gartner was born and raised in Montana, where he began his EMS career in 1990 as an EMT, receiving his paramedic license in 1991. By 1994, he was serving as a flight medic for St. Vincent Hospital and the Operations Manager for American Medical Response (AMR) in two Montana communities.

Currently, Jason serves as the Director of Revenue Cycle Management. In this role, he directs and oversees all policies, objectives, and initiatives related to revenue cycle activities. He is responsible for managing billing and coding procedures, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. Additionally, Jason supervises the revenue cycle team, interacts with insurance organizations and patients, provides oversight of accounts, ensures timely and accurate billing and collections, and addresses any issues related to accounts receivable.

In his free time, Jason enjoys strategy-based video games and small homestead projects like small animal husbandry. A fun fact about Jason is that he has a talking African Grey Parrot.

Dave Dutton
Director of Communications
About Dave
Dave Dutton

Dave Dutton

Director of Communications

Born in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, Dave has a deep connection to Texarkana, having lived there longer than any other place. After graduating from high school in De Queen, Arkansas, Dave started his journey in emergency medical services. In 1991, he began working for St. Michael EMS in Texarkana as an EMT on the BLS transfer unit. Shortly thereafter, he moved to the Prescott, Arkansas base as an EMT on a 9-1-1 ambulance while starting the Paramedic program at Texarkana College. Dave became the Office Coordinator for the Prescott Base, and after obtaining the Paramedic Certification in 1992, he returned to working on an ambulance crew in Prescott. When LifeNet was established in October 1993, Dave transitioned back to Texarkana and held various roles including Field Medic, Field Training Officer, and Ground Operations Manager, also cross-training as a Flight Medic and System Status Controller. In 2005, Dave became LifeNet’s Communications Center Manager for the Texarkana center and, in 2022, he advanced to the role of Director of Communications.

As the Director of Communications, Dave oversees the overall direction and coordination of both of LifeNet’s Communication Centers. In his free time, Dave enjoys working on his yard, maintaining and improving his house, vehicles, and travel trailer, as well as camping and traveling. A fun fact about Dave is that before transitioning to a career in EMS, he worked as an internal auditor at a locally owned bank in De Queen, Arkansas.

David Wilder
Director of Information Systems
About David
David Wilder

David Wilder

Director of Information Systems

Born and raised in Texarkana, TX, David is the middle child of four siblings. With a lifelong interest in computers that began in 1993 with their first Packard Bell PC, David has developed a deep expertise in information technology. He started his IT career in 1997 at Office Source, a local office supply store, and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management Information Systems in 2005. David joined LifeNet in 2008 as a software developer and has since advanced to the roles of IT Specialist, IT Manager, and now Director of Information Systems.

As Director of Information Systems at LifeNet, David oversees IT hardware and software procurement and implementation, designs highly available systems for maximum uptime, ensures network security and backup, and manages budgeting. He is also responsible for software and database development and maintenance. In his free time, David enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two kids, learning new handyman skills around the house, and maintaining and repairing his own vehicles.

Brandi Branch
Director of Human Resources
About Brandi
Brandi Branch

Brandi Branch

Director of Human Resources

Bradi graduated from Texas A&M-Texarkana in 2009 and hails from Atlanta, TX. She joined LifeNet in 2011, bringing with her 5 years of experience in payroll and accounts payable for a local construction company. Throughout her career at LifeNet, she has held various roles, including accounts payable and purchasing, payroll and worker’s compensation, HR Manager, and now Director of Human Resources.

As the Director of Human Resources, Brandi oversees the HR department, focusing on benefits, compensation, employee relations, worker’s compensation injuries, and employment reporting.

In her free time, Brandi enjoys hiking, kayaking, traveling, and tending to her farm animals. A fun fact about her is she is on a mission to visit every National Park, among many other adventures on her extensive bucket list!

Jonathan Strother
Regional Communications Manager, Arkansas Division
About Jonathan
Jonathan Strother

Jonathan Strother

Regional Communications Manager, Arkansas Division

Jonathan was born and raised in the Bismarck area and still lives there today with his wife and son. He began his career in EMS by joining the volunteer fire department in Bismarck and later attended EMT school. During his ride-alongs with LifeNet, he enjoyed the experience so much that he applied to become a full-time EMT after completing his training.

Jonathan has been with LifeNet for 17 years and is currently the Regional Communications Manager for the Arkansas division. He started as an EMT, then moved into the Communications Center as a dispatcher. Over time, he became a Communications Training Officer (CTO) for dispatch, then the dispatch supervisor, and eventually the Regional Communications Manager. His primary responsibilities include overseeing the Communications Center’s daily functions and the needs of the dispatchers.

In his free time, Jonathan enjoys camping, traveling, and watching football. A fun fact about him is that he loves to play any kind of board game or card game.

Lauren Hill
Regional Communications Manager, Texas and Oklahoma Division
About Lauren
Lauren Hill

Lauren Hill

Regional Communications Manager, Texas and Oklahoma Division

Originally from Texarkana, Arkansas, Lauren graduated from Arkansas High School and served in the Army for five years. She has been with LifeNet since 2019, bringing extensive experience in dispatching that began in 2016 at the University of Houston and continued at Bistate before joining LifeNet. Lauren became a Communications Training Officer (CTO) at LifeNet in 2020, was promoted to Communications Supervisor in July 2021, and advanced to Communications Manager in May 2022.

In her role as Communications Manager, Lauren oversees the efficient operation of emergency dispatch services, ensuring staff are well-trained, policies are adhered to, and technology is properly maintained. She coordinates cooperation with surrounding dispatch centers and other agencies, maintaining high standards of service, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in emergency response operations. In her free time, Lauren enjoys reading, crafting, and kayaking. A fun fact about Lauren is that she has studied American Sign Language in college and are still striving to become fluent.

Justin Woodson
Community Health Coordinator
About Justin
Justin Woodson

Justin Woodson

Community Health Coordinator

I began my career with LifeNet in 2001 at the age of 18 as a dispatcher and went on to graduate from paramedic school in 2004. While building hands-on experience in EMS, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration in 2013 and a Master’s Degree in Education in 2017.

In my current role as Community Health Coordinator, I lead community-based healthcare initiatives focused on improving access to care, strengthening care coordination, and reducing unnecessary emergency department utilization to help patients remain safely at home.
Alongside my work in EMS, I spent 10 years teaching high school while maintaining a part-time role in EMS, allowing me to blend frontline clinical experience with education and mentorship—an approach that continues to shape my commitment to patient-centered care and professional development.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our very active twin boys, traveling—or embracing a not-so-quiet weekend at home. I have officiated high school football since 2011 and have been selected for multiple playoff games, including two state semifinals and a state championship at AT&T Stadium in 2023.
Fun fact: I’ve attended over 500 concerts and been on 16 cruises.

Shermar Easter
Recruiter
About Shermar
Shermar Easter

Shermar Easter

Recruiter

I began my career with LifeNet in 2024. I was born in Stephens and raised in Magnolia, where my commitment to serving my community first began. After graduating from Magnolia High School in 2019, I began pursuing my degree in Emergency Medical Services Administration at Columbia Southern University, where I am currently a senior. My education and hands-on experience have prepared me to grow as a leader while continuing to serve the communities I care about most.

Before entering EMS, I worked as a banker, but I felt called to serve in a more direct, hands-on capacity. My interest in emergency care was first sparked in high school while serving as a student athletic trainer in sports medicine. Inspired by my instructor, John Caston, and his dedication to helping others, I realized EMS was the path I wanted to pursue. The fast-paced, high-impact nature of the profession—combined with the opportunity to make a difference when people need it most—confirmed I had found my calling.

At LifeNet, I am especially excited about shaping the future of EMS recruitment. For me, it’s not just about filling positions; it’s about finding the right people who are deeply committed to serving their communities. I am focused on strengthening retention efforts, supporting professional development, and building a culture where our crews feel valued and supported. My vision for LifeNet’s PR and recruiting efforts centers on creating a more inclusive, engaging, and people-focused environment while positioning our organization as an employer of choice.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors, continuing my studies, and volunteering at community events. Giving back to the communities I call home remains at the heart of both my personal life and professional mission.

Air Division

Heidi Hile
Director of Air Medical Services
About Heidi
Heidi Hile

Heidi Hile

Director of Air Medical Services

Heidi was born at Wadley Hospital in Texarkana, she has lived in Nashville, Arkansas for her entire life. She is a 1999 graduate of Nashville High. After high school, she attended UACCH and UAMS graduating in 2003 with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She spent several years gaining knowledge and experience at jobs in local med surg units, ERs, and ICUs. After some time in a night shift House Supervisor position, Heidi decided she wanted to pursue flight nursing and acquired her EMT in 2009. In 2014 She eagerly accepted her first part-time flight nurse position with LifeNet Air. About a year later, she was hired full-time by Air Evac 73 in Dequeen where she served as a flight nurse, Base Clinical Lead and ultimately the Program Director. She has spent more than a decade leading that team and supporting critical care transport services. Heidi is an advocate for advancing air medical services and excellence in patient care. She recently came full circle in her career returning to LifeNet Air fulltime in July 2026. As the Director of Air Services, where is is responsible for overseeing the people and operations at LNA 1, 2, 3, and 4. With over 20 years in healthcare, Heidi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team, she tops it all off with her signature touch, heart. She is a firm believer that if you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers and patients.

Jason Castleberry
Base Manager, Hot Springs
About Jason
Jason Castleberry

Jason Castleberry

Base Manager, Hot Springs

Born and raised in Hot Springs, AR, Jason Castleberry is a proud graduate of Lakeside High School and pursued higher education at Henderson State University, where he attended both college and paramedic school. Jason began his EMS career in Pine Bluff, AR, and was actively involved with the two existing ambulance services in Hot Springs before LifeNet’s takeover in 2005.

Joining LifeNet’s Air Division around 2006, Jason has been a key player ever since. He completed nursing school in 2010 and furthered his education with a Bachelor’s in EMS from UAMS. Currently, Jason serves as the Base Manager for LifeNet Air 2 in Hot Springs and LifeNet Air 3 in Texarkana.

When he’s not managing bases, Jason finds excitement and relaxation on the local dirt tracks, where he drives race cars. It’s his way of relieving stress and enjoying quality time with his family. Jason’s dedication to EMS and his vibrant personal interests reflect his commitment to both professional excellence and a balanced life.

Taylor Sides
Base Manager, Daingerfield
About Taylor
Taylor Sides

Taylor Sides

Base Manager, Daingerfield

Taylor was born at High Plains Regional Hospital in Dodge City, Kansas. After living in Kansas for 6 years, his family moved to Reydon Oklahoma where he lived for 2 years. Taylor then moved once again to Gilmer, Texas with his family to be closer to relatives. He is a 2010 High School Graduate of Harmony High School in Upshur County West of Gilmer. After High School, Taylor moved back to Dodge City, Kansas where he worked in a cattle stock yard while attending Dodge City Community College for his Associate of Science degree as well as his EMT Basic with a focus on Pre Medicine. In 2012, Taylor returned home to Gilmer, Texas where he began his EMS career with East Texas Medical Center based in Tyler, Texas. Taylor worked as an EMT for 4 years before deciding to go to Paramedic School through East Texas Medical Center. Taylor obtained his Paramedic Certification in 2016. From 2016 to 2021, Taylor was a lead Paramedic on a MICU ambulance as well as an FTO for ground operations. In 2021, Taylor began working as a Paramedic for Camp County EMS based in Pittsburg, Texas. While working at Camp County EMS, He worked as a Supervisor and FTO in Upshur County. In 2023, Taylor came to LifeNet Air to work as a Flight Paramedic at LNA 4 in Daingerfield, Texas. From 2023 to 2026, he performed as a FTO for air. In January 2026, Taylor accepted the Base Manager Position at LifeNet Air 4. Taylor brings greater than a decade of prehospital experience to LifeNet. He believes that hard work and dedication is the key to success as well as a companies best asset is it’s employees.

Joshua Norred
Base Manager, Texarkana
About Joshua
Joshua Norred

Joshua Norred

Base Manager, Texarkana

Born and raised in north central Louisiana, I graduated from Quitman High School. I attended Louisiana Tech for a short stint before deciding I was not ready for school and chose to pursue welding, which I had done for most of my life.
After deciding that welding was not the career I wanted to continue, I attended the University of Louisiana at Monroe with the initial thought of studying kinesiology and hopes of going to physical therapy school afterward. When I moved to Monroe, I was able to get a job as an ER tech at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, Louisiana, where I worked from 2013 to 2015. This was my first introduction to what could be done within nursing. With that experience, I quickly changed my major to nursing with the hope of becoming an ER nurse.
After multiple failed attempts at being accepted into nursing school, I decided to get a degree in Occupational Safety and Health, which I completed in 2017. With that degree, I was able to complete an internship and then work as a safety engineer for WestRock in Jonesboro, LA for 2 years.
In 2019, I decided my heart was still set on becoming a nurse, so I applied to the Louisiana Tech nursing program, where I was accepted and completed my associate degree in February 2022. While working on my nursing degree, I also returned to St. Francis Medical Center and worked as an ER tech for a second time from 2019 to 2022.
After graduation, my first nursing job was at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport in their Level 1 Trauma ICU, where I stayed for one year. After leaving, I went back to working in an ER at Heart Hospital of Austin in Austin, Texas, where I also stayed for a year.
Once I was introduced to my first flight crew, my goal was to work my way toward becoming a flight nurse. I first applied for flight jobs after completing two years of nursing. The first company to take a chance on me in flight was LifeNet Air in 2024, where I started strictly working fixed wing at LNA3 in Texarkana for a year and then transitioned to rotor full time at LNA4 in Daingerfield, TX. I later came back to LNA3 as base manager in October 2025, and in April 2026, I also stepped into the role of base manager for LNA1. I have also been accepted to Louisiana State University to begin my bachelor’s degree in business Analytics.
In my free time, I enjoy playing golf and spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends, often over a good meal.

Arkansas Division

Josh Freeman
Arkansas Area Director
About Josh
Josh Freeman

Josh Freeman

Arkansas Area Director

Brian Rohlman
Director of Operations
About Brian
Brian Rohlman

Brian Rohlman

Director of Operations

Taylor Baker
PR & Recruitment Officer
About Taylor
Taylor Baker

Taylor Baker

PR & Recruitment Officer

Oklahoma Division

Zach Harris
Oklahoma Area Director
About Zach
Zach Harris

Zach Harris

Oklahoma Area Director

Zach Harris serves as Area Director for LifeNet Oklahoma, where he provides leadership and oversight for the organization’s operations throughout the state. In this role, he leads a team of more than 80 employees and is responsible for operational performance, employee development, quality improvement initiatives, and the continued growth of LifeNet’s Oklahoma division.

Throughout his leadership career, Zach has focused on building strong teams, developing future leaders, and creating a culture where employees feel supported and empowered to provide exceptional care. His leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement, with a focus on addressing the challenges faced by frontline teams and developing solutions that improve both the employee experience, and the communities LifeNet serves.

Zach has lived in the Perkins, Oklahoma area since 1994 and began his career in emergency medical services as an EMT in Wellston, Oklahoma, in 2008. After completing paramedic school, he joined LifeNet in April 2011 as a member of the original hiring class for the Oklahoma division. During his tenure with LifeNet, Zach advanced through multiple positions of increasing responsibility, demonstrating a commitment to professional growth while gaining broad experience in leadership, operations, and organizational management.

Today, Zach resides on his family’s farm in Tryon, Oklahoma, with his wife, Emily, and their two children, Zachary and Hailey. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, gardening, following sports, and playing fantasy football. Zach is proud to serve the communities of Oklahoma and remains committed to ensuring high-quality emergency medical services are available to those who depend on them. His passion for EMS, dedication to his team, and commitment to continuous improvement guide his efforts to strengthen LifeNet’s mission of providing compassionate and reliable care.

Ryan Field
Director of Operations
About Ryan
Ryan Field

Ryan Field

Director of Operations

Born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and raised in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Ryan proudly served in the United States Army from 2004 to 2008 with the 2nd Infantry Division and the 1st Cavalry Division. During his military service, Ryan developed a strong foundation in leadership, earning the rank of Sergeant and receiving outstanding Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Reports while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006 to 2008.

After completing his military service, Ryan returned home to pursue a career in emergency medical services. He attended paramedic school in 2009 and joined LifeNet in 2011. Throughout his career, Ryan has also served as a Flight Paramedic for five years, gaining extensive experience in critical care transport and the management of high-acuity patients.

Ryan has advanced through numerous leadership roles within LifeNet, including Field Training Officer, Operations Supervisor, Senior Operations Manager, and now Director of Operations. In his current role, he oversees LifeNet’s Oklahoma operations, leading teams dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care while fostering employee development, operational excellence, and the highest standards of safety and service across the organization.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family and taking advantage of the outdoors through boating, golfing, hiking, camping, and traveling. He is also an avid sports enthusiast. Ryan and his wife, Tori, have been happily married for 22 years and are the proud parents of three children.

LA Shepherd
Clinical Manager
About LA
LA Shepherd

LA Shepherd

Clinical Manager

LA Shepherd serves as the Clinical Education Manager for LifeNet, bringing more than 18 years of experience as a paramedic, including 8 years as a flight paramedic. For the past 10 years, LA has dedicated a career to EMS education, helping develop confident, skilled clinicians through quality training and mentorship.

Passionate about lifelong learning and advancing prehospital medicine, LA is committed to ensuring LifeNet team members receive the knowledge and support they need to provide exceptional patient care.

Outside of work, LA enjoys spending time with family, reading, hiking, and trail riding.

Cassie Wilson
PR & Recruitment Officer
About Cassie
Cassie Wilson

Cassie Wilson

PR & Recruitment Officer

Cassie Wilson is a proud Oklahoma and Payne County native with a lifelong passion for serving others and giving back to her community. As the Public Relations and Recruitment Officer for LifeNet Oklahoma Division, she is dedicated to building strong relationships, supporting first responders, and connecting LifeNet with the communities it serves.

Cassie believes that meaningful relationships and community partnerships are the foundation of exceptional service. She is honored to represent LifeNet and share its mission of providing high-quality emergency medical care while making a positive impact across central Oklahoma.

Outside of her role at LifeNet , Cassie is actively involved throughout the community. She serves on the Perkins-Tryon School Board, is President of the Perkins Chamber of Commerce, and is committed to supporting local organizations, businesses, and events that help strengthen the area she proudly calls home.

Texas Division

Darren Higgs
Texas Area Director
About Darren
Darren Higgs

Darren Higgs

Texas Area Director

In his role as Area Director for the Texas Division, Darren oversees the comprehensive management, coordination, and supervision of the division. His primary focus is to ensure optimal efficiency and the delivery of top-tier patient care within the operational field.

Darren brings over three decades of EMS-related experience from his tenure at LifeNet. He completed his Paramedic training at Texarkana College in 1989. His educational background also includes graduation from the Medical Transport Leadership Institute and The Ambulance Service Management Training programs. Currently, Darren represents EMS on the Southwest Arkansas Trauma Regional Advisory Council.

Jarrod Nall
Director of Operation
About Jarrod
Jarrod Nall

Jarrod Nall

Director of Operation

Jarrod Nall, a native of Fouke, Arkansas, has lived in the area for most of his life. A graduate of Fouke High School, Jarrod was raised in the church, played high school football, and worked in hay fields and for chicken farmers during his youth. His experiences with EMS at a young age left a lasting impact, inspiring him to pursue a career in the field. After completing EMT school in 1996 and earning his Paramedic license in 1997, Jarrod began his journey with LifeNet, where he has dedicated over two decades of service. His career has seen him grow from a part-time EMT to becoming the Director of Operations, where he oversees all aspects of ground operations for the Texas Division.

Jarrod’s commitment to EMS is matched only by his passion for the outdoors. When he’s not managing LifeNet’s high-demand system or supporting field providers, he enjoys camping, hunting, and fishing. A dedicated coach, he’s spent the last six years leading peewee football teams and is a fan of catching at least one Skillet concert each year. A fun fact about Jarrod is he is a registered minister in the state of Arkansas.

Bruce Townsend
QI/Education Manager
About Bruce
Bruce Townsend

Bruce Townsend

QI/Education Manager

Coming from Genoa, Arkansas, Bruce has been a dedicated team member of LifeNet since 2004. Starting as an EMT at the age of 18, Bruce’s commitment and passion for the field has seen him advance through many roles such as Field Training Officer, Operations Manager and now the Texas Clinical Manager. In his current role, Bruce focuses on quality improvement and education, drawing on over 15 years of experience as an EMS educator. Bruce enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time at the lake outside of work.

Kristen Hutson
Public Relations Officer
About Kristen
Kristen Hutson

Kristen Hutson

Public Relations Officer