Fitch EMS Foundation Announces New Scholarships

PRESS RELEASE

The Fitch EMS Foundation has announced the opening of its first scholarship application process, offering an opportunity for EMS leaders to further their career and open the door to a community of industry peers. 

Several scholarships will be offered within the categories of leadership mentoring, industry-specific leadership education, and grants to assist EMS leaders in completing postsecondary education. In addition, membership fee waivers for several national associations, such as the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and National EMS Management Association (NEMSMA), will be awarded by the foundation. Applications will be accepted through June 15, 2022, at www.fitchemsfoundation.org.

Recipients will be selected by the foundation’s scholarship committee and announced at the Pinnacle EMS Leadership Forum to be held July 25–29, 2022, in Marco Island, Florida.

Endowed by Fitch & Associates, the foundation was developed to honor the 50+ year leadership development commitment of EMS pioneer Jay Fitch, PhD, and the ongoing commitment of the firm to EMS professional development. Its mission is to support leadership development and research efforts for emergency medical services and public safety as well as promote diversity, awareness of health equity needs, and improve engagement among service leaders and the communities they serve.

“I am thrilled that the foundation is off and running with these amazing opportunities for our industry leaders and I can’t wait to see the program continue to grow,” Dr. Fitch said.

The foundation was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with initial funding provided by the partners of Fitch & Associates, including founding partner Christine Zalar, senior partner Anthony Minge, EdD, chief operations officer Guillermo Fuentes, and partners Steve Knight, PhD, and Roxanne Peek. The organization will soon be accepting donations to further its mission.

The foundation is governed by an engaged board of directors from the EMS industry, including Maria Beermann-Foat, PhD, Scott Gordon, and Anthony Minge, EdD. Jay Fitch, PhD, serves as the executive director.

The Fitch EMS Foundation is a nonprofit entity that supports leadership development and research efforts for emergency medical services and public safety. It is endowed by Fitch & Associates, other major organizations, and individuals that believe that the future of our profession requires the aggressive development of its future leaders. If you are interested in providing a named scholarship or other financial support, contact Jay Fitch at jfitch@FitchEMSFoundation.org.

Dr. Fitch, together with Ms. Zalar and the late Richard Keller, formed Fitch & Associates in 1984 to leverage their collective decades of experience in emergency services. The firm quickly developed into the premier EMS and air-medical consulting organization in the United States and abroad. Since that time, it has expanded its scope to the expanse of public safety including work in the fire, communication center, law enforcement, hospital transport, and compliance arenas. The firm also provides leadership development programs for ambulance and communication center leaders and hosts the annual Pinnacle EMS Leadership Conference. For more information, visit www.fitchassoc.com.