Mark Galtelli, CEO
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.
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.
Mike Cole, Director
Mike Cole, PhD, NRP
Benji Sessums, Board President
Benji Sessums currently serves as the 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.
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.
Clyde Deschamp, Director
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. Rick Carlton, Director
Dr. Carlton received his B.S. from the University of Mississippi and his M.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. He is a Professor Emeritus of Emergency Medicine at Magnolia, as well as a past president of the School of Medicine’s Alumni Board. He was part of the founding faculty of the emergency medicine residency program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and has served as its program director. He chairs the EMS Advisory Council for Mississippi and is board certified in emergency medicine and internal medicine.
Representative Stacey Wilkes
Stacey Hobgood-Wilkes serves as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from the 108th district. Ms. Wilkes holds a Bachelor of Science degree in American studies and business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. Prior to entering politics, Hobgood-Wilkes worked as a public relations consultant and insurance agent. She was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in November 2016 and assumed office in January 2017. During the 2019–2020 legislative session, she served as vice chair of the Marine Resources Committee. During the 2020–2021 legislative session, she served as vice chair of the House Constitution Committee.
