Mark Galtelli brings over 30 years of experience and dedication to the field of EMS in Mississippi. Mark began his journey in 1992 when he became an EMT and furthered his expertise by earning his paramedic certification from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1994. He later pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Louisiana State University in Shreveport.

Mark’s career spans diverse roles within EMS, including ground paramedic, Field Training Officer, and operations manager for various ground EMS agencies. His extensive experience also includes over a decade as a flight paramedic, showcasing his commitment to providing high-level critical care in demanding situations. Additionally, Mark has served in leadership roles across both the public and private sectors of EMS and Air Medical Transport, contributing to the advancement of emergency medical services throughout Mississippi and beyond.

As the Division Chair for Holmes Community College Emergency Medical Sciences Programs, Mark has played a pivotal role in shaping EMS education, mentoring the next generation of EMS professionals, and fostering academic excellence. His service on multiple statewide committees for EMS and Trauma underscores his commitment to improving systems of care and influencing policy for the benefit of patients and providers alike.

Mark’s passion for the EMS profession led him to found the Mississippi Center for Advancement of Prehospital Medicine, an organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the EMS industry across the state. Through this initiative, Mark aims to create meaningful support systems, unify the industry, and drive innovation and collaboration. The Center serves as a catalyst for addressing workforce challenges, expanding professional development opportunities, and advocating for the recognition and growth of EMS as an integral part of healthcare.

Benji Sessums currently serves as the Dean of Health Sciences and previous Program Director of the EMS Department at Jones College, bringing over fifteen years of experience in EMS education to his role. His career has encompassed various positions, including EMT instructor, Clinical Coordinator, Lead Paramedic Instructor, and Program Director.

In addition to his academic responsibilities, Benji has been an active participant in advancing the EMS profession in Mississippi. He is a member of the Mississippi EMS Advisory Board and has contributed significantly to the Mississippi Governor's Taskforce for EMS Advancement. Benji has also held the position of President of the Mississippi EMS Educators Association for the past eight years. He currently also serves as a board member for the non-profit EMS organization Mississippi Center for Advancement of Prehospital Medicine (MSCAPM).

With a paramedic career since 2003, Benji currently works with EMSERV ambulance service in Laurel, MS. He is committed to advancing EMS through research, education, and technological innovation, and is a researcher and educator at heart.

Benji holds a PhD in Mathematics and Science Education from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master's Degree in Biology, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from William Carey University. He also possesses an Associate of Science Degree in Paramedicine with MS Critical Care Certification from Jones College and Holmes Community College.

Dr. Gregory M. Cole has nearly four decades of experience in EMS spanning field operations, education, and administration. Dr. Cole played a central role in shaping EMS education policies from 1990 to 2014. He served as the Chief Compliance Officer for Covington County Hospital and Emergency Medical Services. He also was appointed by Governor Tate Reeves to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (EMSAC) and the Mississippi Trauma Advisory Council. In addition, Dr. Cole has significant experience administering federal grants and economic development.

Clyde Deschamp, PhD, NRP serves as Professor and Chair of the General Health Professions Department at University of Mississippi Medical Center and Executive Director of the Central Mississippi EMS District which oversees emergency medical services in 22 counties. He serves on a number of health related boards and advisory councils.

Dr. Victoria Miles is an Assistant Professor of Burn Surgery at University Medical Center New Orleans in affiliation with Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans. She is recognized nationally for her interdisciplinary approach to burn care, her dedication to mentoring early-career clinicians, and her foundational work as an EMT-Paramedic in rural Mississippi.

Dr. Miles earned her medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. She completed her general surgery residency and a dedicated research fellowship at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga. She went on to complete a fellowship in Surgical Critical Care and Burn Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, where she was honored with the "Top Knife Award" for excellence in technical skill.

Her research focuses on advancing clinical care and education, with interests spanning burn hypermetabolism, limb salvage and rehabilitation, burn-related coagulopathy, and the development of novel training tools for military and prehospital (EMS) providers.

Dr. Miles has authored more than 45 peer-reviewed publications, delivered over 20 national podium presentations, and authored a book chapter in her field. She, along with three other burn surgeons chosen from across the country, currently serves on the Behind The Knife Surgery Podcast’s burn team.