Narberth Ambulance’s Visionary Leadership Team to be Enhanced by New Executive Director (Former Paramedic) John Roussis

Ardmore, PA – As John Roussis walked back into Narberth Ambulance on January 9, he also stepped into a new role at the emergency medical services organization where he previously served 10 years as a paramedic. Roussis has been appointed Narberth Ambulance’s new Executive Director, a position which marries his passion for EMS with the administrative expertise he has honed during a 20 year career with Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

In his new role as Executive Director at Narberth Ambulance, Roussis’ top priority will be to create a diversified fundraising and public awareness campaign to ensure that Narberth Ambulance has the resources needed to continue the state-of-the-art emergency service care it provides the 145,000 residents of Lower Merion Township, Haverford Township and the boroughs of Narberth, Conshohocken, and West Conshohocken.

Roussis will also be in charge of strengthening the management of infrastructure by working closely with Narberth Ambulance’s Board of Directors to set objectives and goals for the organization, direct the work of completing the strategic plan, update policies and procedures, and review all processes.

His third key responsibility as Executive Director will be evaluating and managing Narberth Ambulance’s budget.

Roussis’ career at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital has prepared him well for his responsibilities at Narberth Ambulance.

Serving most recently as Physician Liaison, Roussis marketed Jefferson’s Transfer Center and service lines to referring physicians and health systems, and fostered strategic relationships to increase inpatient transfers and identify patient transfer and transport opportunities. He was also responsible for marketing plan development, the coordination of educational programs and securing sponsorships.

In his past role at Jefferson’s Transfer Center as Communications Center Manager and Outreach Coordinator, Roussis managed the day-to-day operations of the Transfer Center, served as a liaison for referring institutions and developed marketing and outreach strategies for multiple departments.

Roussis’ seasoned experience as an administrator has been punctuated by his continued commitment to serving as a medic. While at Jefferson he served as a Critical Care Flight Paramedic and he represented Jefferson at regional EMS forums and medical advisory committees.

Roussis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Philadelphia University. He is a member of the National Registry of Paramedics, the Association of Air Medical Services, and is certified as a Certified Medical Transport Executive (CMTE), and Flight Paramedic-Certified (FP-C). Roussis resides in Secane, PA.

“Serving as a paramedic at Narberth Ambulance between 1998 and 2008 advanced my skills on the clinical side, while my time at Jefferson helped me grow as an administrator,” says Roussis. “I was able to see the ins and outs of EMS from a new perspective and I am excited about my future with Narberth Ambulance.”

Roussis is looking forward to continuing and advancing community education when he steps into his new role at Narberth Ambulance. “To continue being a viable EMS organization, we must ensure our community understands the full breadth of the services we provide,” says Roussis.

Former Board President Returns to Leadership Role

Roussis’ appointment is not the only change for Narberth Ambulance’s leadership team in 2017. David Zaslow, J.D., EMT-P has also returned to his previous position as President of the Board of Directors, which he last held in 2013. As a member of the non-profit organization for 32 years, Zaslow has served in almost all the positions within the department and has seen 22 years on the Board. During his previous eight years as president, Zaslow oversaw the organization’s expansion into Conshohocken and West Conshohocken Boroughs and continued service in Lower Merion Township and Narberth. He was then instrumental in the recent expansion of services into Haverford Township which commenced on November 1, 2016. Zaslow works as a trial lawyer who chairs the Litigation Practice Group at Philadelphia based White and Williams, LLP. He is most proud of his continued involvement responding to calls as a 25 year seasoned paramedic for the organization.

According to Zaslow, his return to the role of President was an easy decision knowing he would be supported by the strong leadership team of Executive Director John Roussis, Chief of Operations Chris Flanagan, and Medical Director Ben Usatch. “We all share a vision for the success and sustainability of Narberth Ambulance that makes stepping back into the role of Board President a true pleasure. Our team wears one uniform and has one mission – to be the best” said Zaslow.

Strong Leaders Continue

As the Chief of Operations, Chris Flanagan will be collaborating with Roussis and Zaslow to continue the positive work of Narberth Ambulance. Flanagan has served as Chief of Operations for over 25 years and is responsible for supporting Narberth Ambulance’s “state of readiness,” overseeing the station, operations and training, and planning for the future of the organization. His team focuses on community engagement, which includes developing health, wellness and educational programs. He is a past recipient of the PA Department of Health Volunteer of the Year award, and is a volunteer firefighter in the Lower Merion Fire Department, and a career Lieutenant in the Radnor Police Department.

Medical Director Dr. Ben Usatch is the longest serving member with 33 years within the organization. Usatch works to prepare EMTs and paramedics at Narberth Ambulance for all medical circumstances and emergencies. He heads Narberth Ambulance’s Physician Responder program, which allows emergency physicians to assist EMS responders at the scene of critical incidents. He also holds the position of Deputy Chief of the Emergency Department at Lankenau Medical Center, and he was recognized as one of the area’s “Top Doctors” in 2015 by Main Line Today in the Emergency Medicine category.

“This is a stellar team of leaders,” says Zaslow. “As the organization heads towards its 75^th anniversary, this team will continue the efforts of Narberth Ambulance in keeping the community safe in emergency circumstances and providing effective educational outreach and awareness.”

To learn more about Narberth Ambulance, including ways to volunteer or donate to the organization, please call (610) 645-7770, or visit www.narberthambulance.org