Jesus D. Rodriguez serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Ridgewood Volunteer Ambulance Corps (RVAC), now known as Gotham Volunteer EMS, a position he has held since January 1st, 2018. As Chairman, he functions as the Chief Executive Officer of the organization, ensuring its continued success and that the wishes of the membership are effectively carried out. Working alongside the Board of Directors, Chairman Rodriguez has played a pivotal role in maintaining the organization's commitment to fulfilling its mission to the community.

Chairman Rodriguez has been an EMT since 2008 and involved in EMS since 2005. He has been a dedicated member of RVAC since 2012 and is also a proud lifetime member of the organization. Over the years, he has taken on various leadership roles, including Lieutenant of Operations and Captain, contributing to the growth and success of RVAC, now known as Gotham Volunteer EMS. In addition to his operational duties, Chairman Rodriguez is a certified CPR instructor, enjoying the opportunity to train new recruits and ensure they are equipped with essential life-saving skills.

Beyond his EMS service, Chairman Rodriguez owns a small IT/Security integration business and actively contributes to another nonprofit organization, where he serves on the board. His leadership extends beyond EMS, demonstrating his commitment to both his community and professional endeavors.

Kevin was born in Queens, NY, raised in Brooklyn, NY and currently resides in Franklin Square. Kevin has been involved in emergency preparedness and services since 1997. Kevin's interest in the emergency services fields started as teenager while completing and earning the highest rank in the Boy Scouts, Eagle Scout.

Kevin has worked as an Emergency Medical Technician as a volunteer, various private ambulances in New York and for the New York City Fire Department in Brooklyn, N.Y. Kevin has overseen and administered Emergency Medical Technician, CPR & FIRST Aid courses since 2003. Kevin remains active in the field as a Lieutenant of an FDNY Engine Company in the Bronx & active in training as the Lead Instructor of the FDNY Counter Terrorism Task Force. Kevin is also involved in the EMS community as he serves on the Advisory Board for Fordham University EMS, Board of Director for the Ridgewood Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc., and on the Drill Committee for the New York State & Volunteer Ambulance Association.

Kevin is a New York State Department of Health Bureau of EMS Certified Instructor Coordinator, National Association of EMS Educators Level I & II Instructor, Fire Instructor I, American Heart Association BLS Instructor & National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians Tactical Emergency Casualty Care Instructor.

Matthew Tirschwell received his EMT license in 1992 and has dedicated his career exclusively to volunteer EMS. In addition to his EMT credentials, Matthew is an active volunteer firefighter, further demonstrating his unwavering commitment to serving his community in various emergency response roles.

Matthew currently serves as the Secretary for Gotham Volunteer EMS, a position he has held since 2022. As a board member, he has made invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the organization, playing a key role in shaping its future.

In addition to his work in EMS, Matthew is the owner of his own architectural lighting design firm, which bears his name. His firm highlights his creativity and expertise in design, further showcasing his diverse skill set.

Matthew is also the President of EMS Access Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing leadership and management support to volunteer EMS agencies across the five boroughs. Through his work with EMS Access, Matthew helps these agencies improve their operations, ensuring they continue to provide effective and efficient emergency services to the communities they serve.

Sean Graves is Vice President of Training at AuraPrep. He has served in this role since August 2018, overseeing operational aspects of the EMS training division of Rescue Training International and fulfilling its mission. Mr. Graves has been instrumental in helping RTI and AuraPrep experience growth, utilizing a variety of blended learning styles both in and out of the classroom.
Mr. Graves is a strong proponent of the link between internal culture of AuraPrep and the EMS community both on a national and local level. He spends the time to ensure that every educator is aligned with the organization’s goal of providing clients an unsurpassed experience that results in excellent performance outcomes. His philosophy of putting forth patient centric education has led to students consistently achieving high scores and outstanding client feedback.
His hands-on leadership has continued to cultivate educator, student and client experiences. The New York City Regional Emergency Medical Service Council awarded Mr. Graves with the prestigious Educator of Excellence in 2017. In 2022 Mr. Graves was selected for the position of Regional Facility with the New York State Department of Health's - Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma.  
Mr. Graves has more than 18 years of healthcare experience, as an active Emergency Medical Technician, Educator, and administrator. Mr. Graves currently serves as a member of the New York City Regional Medical Advisory Committee (REMAC), the New York City Regional Emergency Medical Services Council (REMSCO) where he is a member of the Training and Education and Protocol committees. Mr. Graves also is the past Chairperson of the New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association (NYSVARA) Legislative and Governmental Affairs committee, where he actively engages State legislators for the betterment of EMS throughout the State of New York.

In the past, Mr. Graves served on NYC Mission: Lifeline Stroke Systems of Care Prehospital Technical Advisory Group and as an item writer for the National Registry of Emergency medical Technicians examination in Columbus, Ohio.

Joseph Campisi has been a dedicated member of the Middle Village Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc. since 1989, serving in various roles over the years. His passion for community service extends to his current involvement on the Board of Directors of the Ridgewood Volunteer Ambulance Corps, now known as Gotham Volunteer EMS, where he continues to be an active participant in their operations.

In addition to his work in EMS, Joseph has been an integral part of Salvatore Campisi & Sons Electrical Contractors, Inc. since 1986. Working alongside his father, Salvatore Campisi, Joseph holds the roles of Secretary and Treasurer, while also contributing in many other capacities to ensure the success of the family business.

A proud graduate of Christ the King High School (Class of 1986), Joseph was honored with induction into the Christ the King Hall of Fame in 2024, a testament to his lifelong commitment to excellence and community service.

Joseph is married and has two children, balancing his family life with his significant responsibilities in both his professional and volunteer endeavors.

Walter Dziemian has been a devoted member of the volunteer ambulance community for many years. He has served as a Board Member for the past three years and was the Captain of this organization from 2022 to 2024. In his leadership roles, Walter demonstrated exceptional dedication to emergency services and consistently upheld the mission to provide high-quality care during critical situations. He has held certifications as both an EMT and CFR, equipping him with the necessary skills to handle emergencies with efficiency and care.

In addition to his role in the volunteer ambulance community, Walter has served with distinction as an Auxiliary Police Sergeant in the NYPD Emergency Service Unit since 1994, where he gained invaluable experience in emergency response operations. He was instrumental in the successful aquisition of three volunteer ambulance corporations, helping form the new Gotham Volunteer Emergency medical Services, a change that greatly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of our organization.

A lifelong resident of Maspeth, New York, Walter is deeply connected to his community. Beyond his work in emergency services, he also manages one of New York City’s largest snow removal companies, ensuring that streets remain safe and accessible during winter storms.

Walter’s ongoing commitment to community service, public safety, and emergency response continues to make a lasting impact on those around him. His dedication to the well-being of his neighbors, both in emergency situations and beyond, reflects his unwavering devotion to the community.

Andrew "Andy" Combs was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, before moving to Queens, where he still resides today. Andy has been an active volunteer EMT and first responder since 1972 when he first joined the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps (WRHVAC). He continues to serve as an active duty and Life Member of Ridgewood VAC, now operating as Gotham Volunteer EMS, following the successful merger of WRHVAC and Ridgewood VAC. Throughout his 50+ years of service, Andy held multiple leadership roles, including Corps President and Board Chairman of WRHVAC.

From 1973 to 1979, Andy also worked within the NYC EMS System, which was managed by the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation, serving at both Jamaica Hospital Center in Queens and Cabrini Medical Center in Manhattan. His dual commitment to both volunteer ambulance work and EMS operations shaped his extensive experience in emergency medical care.

In July 1979, Andy graduated from the Long Island University-Brooklyn Hospital Center Physician Assistant Program and earned his National Board Certification as a Physician Assistant (PA) in January 1980. He spent his entire professional career specializing in adult and pediatric urology, working at several prestigious NYC area university-based medical centers. In March 2021, Andy retired from Weill Cornell Medical Center as an Assistant Professor and Director of Pediatric Urodynamics, though he continues to serve part-time in Pediatric Urology at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C..

Andy’s remarkable career spans both volunteer service and a distinguished medical profession. His dedication to both emergency response and pediatric urology has made a significant impact on his community and the many patients he’s cared for throughout his career.

Erika Newsome is an accomplished educator, leader, and advocate with a diverse career spanning education, emergency medical services (EMS), law, and compliance. Passionate about public service and professional development, Erika has devoted her career to supporting students, teachers, and communities in various fields.

Erika currently serves as a board member on multiple education-related boards, where she works to enhance policies, advocate for resources, and ensure quality education remains accessible for all. She is also a certified New York State EMS 7-12 teacher in the New York City Public School system with over 24 years as an educator, where she teaches and mentors future emergency medical professionals. Additionally, Erika holds a certification as a New York State administrator and investment and insurance licenses in several states.

A committed special education advocate, Erika works diligently to ensure students with disabilities receive the necessary support to succeed in their education. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Behavior from NYU, a Master’s in School Building Leadership from Mercy University, and a Master’s in the Studies of Law in Corporate Compliance (Financial and Healthcare Compliance) from Fordham University School of Law. Erika also holds an Applied Associate’s in Paralegal Studies from Berkeley College.

Since 2015, Erika has been an EMT, serving in both private ambulance services and as a volunteer. As a CPR/AED Instructor Certified EMS educator, she teaches an EMS program, imparting her expertise to aspiring EMTs in high school .  Erika Newsome-Rodriguez was also the second female Chief of Operations in 44 years at Throggs Neck Volujnteer Ambulance Corps, served on their board of directors, and was the Chairperson of Training for the corps.  

In April 2024, Erika became a member of Gotham Volunteer EMS, where she continues to serve the community with dedication and commitment. She is excited to bring her experience in education, leadership, and healthcare to the Gotham Volunteer EMS Board of Directors, where she aims to contribute to the organization’s mission of providing quality care and enhancing EMS services for the community.

With a strong background in education, law, healthcare, and leadership, Erika Newsome is dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact in the lives of students, EMS professionals, and the communities she serves.

Captain Sexton has been a dedicated member of the Ridgewood Volunteer Ambulance Corps (RVAC) for over 15 years and has more than 20 years of experience in emergency medical services (EMS). Throughout her career, she has held various leadership roles within the organization, including serving as Captain of Gotham Volunteer EMS. Her extensive experience and steadfast commitment have made her a pivotal figure in Gotham’s operations.

Currently, Captain Sexton holds active Lifetime Membership at two volunteer EMS organizations, showcasing her continued dedication to the field. Her ability to adapt and succeed in the ever-evolving world of EMS has solidified her reputation as a strong and effective leader.

In addition to her leadership in EMS, Captain Sexton has revitalized the Gotham Volunteer EMS Youth Squad, a program that had previously ceased to exist. Taking on the task of revamping the squad, she played a crucial role in ensuring the continued growth of the next generation of EMS professionals. Her passion for teaching and fostering new talent ensures the ongoing success of high standards in care and service within the community.

Leslie began her EMS journey during the challenging COVID pandemic, earning her EMT certification and joining the Ridgewood Volunteer Ambulance Corps (RVAC) in 2020. Her commitment to providing critical care in times of crisis reflects her dedication to emergency medical services.

Since then, Leslie has worked her way up to the role of Lieutenant of Operations with Gotham Volunteer EMS, a position she has held since 2023. Throughout her career with the organization, Leslie has contributed to various committees, where her talent for leadership and hard work became evident. As a member of the Transition Committee, she played a key role in successfully guiding the organization through the consolidation of four separate agencies, helping to usher in the new Gotham Volunteer EMS.

Additionally, as part of the Equipment Committee, Leslie helped implement new procedures and protocols for managing, tracking, and ordering equipment, ultimately saving the organization both time and money.

Currently, Leslie continues her healthcare career at Northwell LIJ, where she works in the Emergency Department. Her experience in both EMS and the hospital setting highlights her unwavering passion for emergency care and her dedication to helping others in their time of need.

Sedric's story is one of determination and dedication to the medical field, shaped by his upbringing in Ridgewood, Queens. Surrounded by family members in healthcare, he developed a deep passion for emergency medical services (EMS) early on. Inspired by his younger sister's desire to become an EMT, Sedric found his calling and took the opportunity to make a difference.

After graduating from Grover Cleveland High School, Sedric earned his EMT certification. Despite being just 17 years old, he started volunteering at Gotham Volunteer EMS (now renamed), where he gained invaluable experience. His hard work and commitment led him to a position as a full EMT with the FDNY, all while continuing to volunteer as an officer at Gotham EMS.

Today, Sedric not only serves as a full EMT but also dedicates his time to mentoring the next generation of healthcare workers. He plays a crucial role in guiding the youth squad, offering advice and encouragement to help others find their path in the medical field, just as he did.