The ATEMSP Board of Directors is an all-volunteer, elected body. They govern the organization and ensure proper nonprofit management and direction for the association.
Elections occur each November with members serving staggered two-year terms. All terms begin January 1st following elections.
ATEMSP board members ensure the long-term sustainability of the association and oversee the organization's programs and initiatives.
All incoming board members are required to complete an orientation process followed by a six week course in nonprofit management. The Board is allowed to appoint staff members for organizational management. Staff members contain no voting powers.
ATEMSP Board of Directors
President: Holly Craghead
Vice President of Membership: Christopher "CJ" Lance
Vice President of Advocacy: Brett Meyer
Secretary: Ryan Reid
Treasurer: Melody Mesmer
Former Presidents:
Brandon Means (2018-2022)
ATEMSP Staff
Executive Director: Daniel Owens
ATEMSP Legislative Consultant
Holly Craghead, ATEMSP President
Holly is a highly experienced Licensed Paramedic with over 25 years of service in EMS, primarily within the Austin area. She currently serves as a Special Operations Commander for Austin Travis County EMS. Holly's extensive qualifications include multiple credentials, such as FP-C, FAA 107 Drone Pilot License, and she is an active member of the Disaster Management Response Team. She is a founding member of the A/TCEMS PEER Support team and is a team leader. She also serves as the Vice President Commissioner of the Canyon Lake Fire Department. Holly earned her Bachelor's degree from Texas State University and resides in Comal County with her family.
CJ Lance, ATEMSP VP of Membership
CJ Comes to ATEMSP with 13 years of EMS experience, including hospital, fire, county, and flight-based EMS in both rural and suburban environments. His vast experience in front-line and administrative EMS provides an understanding of the challenges faced by EMS providers in all service models. CJ earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business from Tarleton State University and is the Chariman of the Blinn College EMS Advisory Board. CJ lives in NW Houston with his incredible wife and two daughters.
Melody Mesmer, BS, NRP, ATEMSP Treasurer
Melody has 25+ years’ experience as a Paramedic and Firefighter, working inner city, rural and mountain areas across Colorado and now Texas. Melody is an EMS Coordinator for CommonSpirit Health where she has focused on EMS educations, quality, system administration and special event management for the last 18 years. Melody has provided EMS education at various conferences across the U.S. and is happy to present to a room of 5 or 500! Melody is also the Founder and CEO of the Foundation 1023, a non-profit that provides mental wellness services to First Responders across Colorado, Texas and beyond. In her private life, she shares her time with her husband Troy, her 4 children, Justin, Alex, Ashton and Megan, and spoils 6 grandkids every chance she gets.
