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About the FirmSince Fitch & Associates' inception, the firm has earned a track record of helping organizations to improve the quality of care, decrease response times, increase financial effectiveness, and strengthen public trust in EMS.
Professional Experience & Academic PreparationOur team has worked as clinicians, managers and CEOs in addition to earning advanced degrees and technical certifications. Members have also received professional designations from the American College of Healthcare Executives and the American Association of Healthcare Consultants. Demonstrated LeadershipThe partners have authored collegiate textbooks widely used by universities and EMS organizations. Members of the staff have contributed multiple chapters to other clinical and administrative texts and hundreds of articles for professional trade journals. PARTNERS
Our TeamAt Fitch & Associates, we bring talented partners and consultants together in a supportive environment where nothing gets in the way of solving a client's problem. Our core consulting team includes both full-time associates and additional members who also serve clients through our sister organization, MedServ International. Consultant by consultant, client by client, we've built a reputation for first-rate work, a positive outlook and the highest standards of service and ethics. Core Consulting TeamDavid M. Williams, MS
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Who We ServeFitch & Associates has earned its credibility by implementing innovative, customized solutions crossing both public and private sectors in healthcare and public safety. Our clients include hundreds of organizations in 49 U.S. states and in 12 other countries, encompassing ground and air EMS systems for major American cities, hospitals and foreign heads of state. Related Organizations
Senior ConsultantsIn addition to our core team, we call on our extensive network of subject matter experts to supplement our staff’s knowledge and add value through an enhanced perspective, depending on a specific client or project’s needs. Chief Richard Carrizzo, mbaChief Carrizzo has served departments as a fire captain, assistant shift commander and fire chief in both urban and suburban settings. As the CEO for Southern Platte Fire Protection District in Missouri, he is responsible for administration and direct supervision of operations for fire prevention, suppression, inspectional services/codes enforcement, and emergency medical services. Guillermo Fuentes
Mr. Fuentes is an industry leader in the area of EMS deployment. Internationally known for his consultant work as well as presenting on the topic, he provides statistical and operational analysis, computer modeling, and the development of deployment plans for Fitch & Associates’ clients. Mr. Fuentes serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for Niagara Regional Police Service. He is the former Associate Director of EMS for the Region of Niagara, Canada. Prior to Niagara, he was employed by Urgentes-Sante, the EMS system serving Montreal, Canada. David Nelson, d.min.
Michael G. Ragone Michael Weaver, md
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View full bio
Mr. Williams has a strong background in organizational development, performance management and systems theory, coupled with 15 years of emergency service experience. He has served as a provider, educator, researcher, and leader in rural, suburban, and urban environments, working in volunteer, public utility model, and public third-service organizations. Before joining the firm, he was a senior level commander for Austin-Travis County (TX) EMS in the Clinical Practice Division coordinating system-wide quality management.
While Mr. Eroe is primarily responsible for the firm’s air medical transport operations, his considerable healthcare and business expertise is a valued resource to all clients. Recognized throughout the air medical field for his commitment and leadership, Mr. Eroe is currently serving a second term as President of the Association of Air Medical Services.
Mr. Babb has sustained a career in EMS, Emergency Medicine, and Air Medical Transport for over 18 years. From line Paramedic, Flight Nurse, Emergency Department Management to Chief of one of North Carolina’s busiest Critical Care Transport Services. Mitch is dedicated to providing a personal touch to operational efficiency and promoting growth of individuals within organizations. During 2007, Mitch served as Director of Angel One Transport at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, one of the busiest Pediatric and Neonatal air/ground transport services in the United States.
Mr. Bettinger specializes in EMS communications and operational issues, bringing more than 12 years of experience in ground and flight operations, communications center design and management, and CAD systems.
Mr. Greene's EMS and air medical career spans 25 years. From volunteer search and rescue to backcountry ranger with the National Park Service to chief flight nurse and program director of a five state air medical transport service, he is passionate about improving and growing EMS/air medical services. In 2003, Mr. Greene was named Program Director of the Year by the Association of Air Medical Services. He has written numerous academic papers and articles, including a chapter on operations management for Standards for Specialty Care and Fixed Wing Transport published by the Air and Surface Transport Nurses Association.
Mr. Gordon brings a strong aviation maintenance/quality management background and over 20 years experience in aircraft maintenance and quality assurance management as chief inspector at Garrett Aviation Services. He has been responsible for directing, planning and implementing maintenance/inspection standards, methods, and procedures; compliance with federal aviation regulations, company quality policies, and manufacturer’s recommendation; and, implementing auditing process and controls “Quality Escapes” as set forth by inspection procedure manuals. 
John Garitz previous experience includes nearly 20 years of fire department-based emergency medical services operations and finances. As a former Deputy Chief with the Springfield (OR) Department of Fire & Life Safety, he managed EMS operations across a 2,000 square-mile region that encompassed both rural and urban communities. Mr. Garitz was selected as one of the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ representatives during the national ambulance fee schedule negotiation. Mr. Garitz supervised the Ambulance Account Services program for the City of Springfield and 17 contract agencies throughout the state and was responsible for the Department’s innovative FireMed Ambulance Membership Program, now with the largest coverage area of any program of its type in the country. 
Mr. Hassman is a seasoned aviation executive and professional pilot with 30+ years of progressive experience within aviation related private sector and military organizations. He has specific knowledge of and experience in aviation equipment, flight operations, maintenance, air medical transport operations, and piloting. Additionally, he has performed both internal and external audits for 135 flight operations and in an essential liaison role between flight program top management and air operators, providing extensive support during complex and on-going implementation and service contract periods. Mr. Hassman has specialized knowledge of and experience in Air Medical Services both hospital-based and independent models: contract negotiation, implementation, personnel training and supervision, operations, and customer service.
Anthony Minge has an extensive background in health care finance specializing in billing and collections in multiple areas including pharmacy, home health, hospital, lab and ground and air medical transport. Prior to his current position he was business manager for one of the largest air medical programs in the Pacific Northwest. His background also includes business management of one of the nation’s busiest children’s specialty transport services.
Mr. Fuentes has broad experience in the areas of communications, operations, deployment, and administration. He is a leading expert on the analysis, design, and management of EMS system status. For more than 16 years, he has held senior leadership positions in major EMS organizations throughout Canada.
Dr. David E. Nelson serves with Fitch & Associates as a human resources consultant, trainer and appreciative inquiry coach. He has been an onsite coordinator for the annual Ambulance Service Manager’s (ASM) Certificate program conducted by Fitch & Associates for the American Ambulance Association for the past decade. He helped develop and is an onsite coordinator for the Communication Center Manager’s (CCM) Certificate Program. David also works with The Administration for Children and Families throughout the United States, partners with a number of organizations involved in health services and community action. He is widely known for his work in creating and nurturing strong teams, celebrating and assisting organizational evolution, and identifying and building excellent leaders. David is appreciated for his warm listening, comfortable presence and his positive spirit.
Mr. Ragone’s operations and executive experience in emergency services, health & safety and the insurance industries provide a unique background for clients. His early career experience as a firefighter and paramedic coupled with over 10 years as a Vice President of American Medical Response with responsibilities in both operations and business development, prepared him well. Mike now owns a successful Midwestern insurance agency and is a licensed securities broker in addition to his client responsibilities with the firm. 
Dr. Weaver has worked with the firm since 1987. He is involved in developing and shaping best practices for a variety of clients in the US and internationally. His consulting responsibilities involve evaluating medical quality processes and the leadership of the clinical function within EMS systems. He served as the Medical Director for Kansas City’s LifeFlight Eagle helicopter program for 20 years. During this same period Dr. Weaver directed a Level One Trauma Center and he now serves as the Vice President of Clinical Diversity for the St. Luke’s Healthcare system. 
Mr. Whipple’s previous experience includes nearly 20 years in both the public and private sector of Fire, Emergency Medical and Aeromedical Transportation Services. Having progressed from line EMT, Firefighter-Paramedic, Flight Paramedic, Field Supervisor and Director of Operations of one of Houston, Texas’ largest private providers, Mr. Whipple returns to the EMS industry after having worked in his family’s publishing business for the past 18 years. From that experience he brings a strong team-management background with an emphasis in overall organizational efficiency.
Ms. Wright is the former Assistant Director of Fire-Rescue Services in Miami-Dade County, Florida. In that capacity for 10 years, she was the senior staff executive and chief financial officer for one of the nation’s largest and progressive fire-rescue departments. Miami-Dade responds to over 140,000 fire and EMS incidents annually. Ms. Wright had direct responsibility for administration of the $150 million departmental budget and bureaus responsible for personnel services, EMS management information services and policy development. She co-chaired the department’s labor-management committee and served as the primary liaison with private providers operating in the county. She has completed the State of Florida’s Ambulance Manager’s Certificate Program also recognized by the American Ambulance Association.