Chris Cebollero

Too many EMS agencies—career, volunteer, municipal, or commercial—are so consumed by daily operations that long-term planning becomes an afterthought. But in an environment marked by workforce shortages, increasing public expectations, new care delivery models, and evolving community needs, strategic planning is no longer optional. It’s an essential leadership responsibility.

This session demystifies what an effective EMS strategic plan looks like. We’ll break down how to conduct an honest and actionable SWOT analysis, craft mission and vision statements that actually drive decisions, and translate big ideas into measurable goals and operational objectives.

But this goes beyond theory—we’ll walk through real scenarios including launching MIH programs, shifting from volunteer to combination staffing models, strengthening recruitment and retention, and guiding agencies through periods of organizational change. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how a well-crafted strategic plan can bring stability, focus, and future-readiness to any EMS organization.

Every crisis, every turning point, and every great success in leadership has one thing in common—communication. The ability to connect, inspire, and influence through words and actions is what separates leaders who merely manage from those who truly lead.

This dynamic and engaging session explores how history’s most effective leaders—from Churchill to Jobs —used communication as their greatest tool.

Participants will walk away with actionable insights drawn from real-world EMS scenarios. From mastering active listening and “reading the room” to framing messages that drive unity and action, Ray reveals communication tactics that work under pressure, in conflict, and across complex organizations.

Come ready to rethink how you speak, listen, and lead—because in EMS and beyond, communication isn’t a soft skill; it’s a survival skill.