Jesse Roder
Kalamazoo,MI
Summary
Dedicated healthcare professional with over 24 years of experience in emergency medical services and public health, specializing in emergency response leadership, curriculum development, and community health education. Proven track record in mentoring and training, leading to the effective development of health programs tailored to diverse populations. Passionate about addressing health disparities in Native American communities through culturally informed public health initiatives and education. Committed to fostering healthier communities by leveraging extensive expertise to create impactful health solutions that drive positive change.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Health Representative
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP)
07.2024 - Current
- Provide outreach, advocacy, and case management for tribal members to promote preventive health and chronic disease management.
- Deliver culturally centered education programs to bridge public-health access gaps within Native communities.
- Represent NHBP at statewide conferences and coalitions to strengthen partnerships and improve community wellness outcomes.
- Conduct regular home visits and wellness checks to assess patient needs and connect members with community-based health resources.
Critical Care Paramedic Field Supervisor
Van Buren EMS (VBEMS)
09.2013 - Current
- Oversaw implementation of quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
- Served as incident commander at large-scale emergencies.
- Conducted training and competency assessments to advance paramedic clinical skills in critical care interventions.
- Instructed Emergency Vehicle Operations Courses (EVOC) for new and veteran EMS personnel.
Success Coach / Instructor
Parchment Innovation Center
08.2021 - 06.2024
- Developed individualized learning and career-readiness plans for students in the alternative education program.
- Designed and taught courses in health, physical education, culinary arts, and multiple levels of First Aid—including Wilderness and Basic First Aid.
- Integrated work-based learning elements into the curriculum, preparing students for employment and post-secondary education.
- Delivered the school’s graduation speech and served as mentor to at-risk youth, fostering confidence and resilience.
Club Manager
Strength and Beyond
12.2016 - 06.2018
- Managed gym operations, staff scheduling, and membership programs.
- Handled human resource responsibilities, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, and disciplinary processes.
- Implemented injury-prevention and wellness programs for clients.
- Designed individualized strength and conditioning plans to promote long-term health and performance.
Lieutenant / Training Committee Member
Kalamazoo Township Fire Department (KTFD)
09.2008 - 12.2016
- Commanded fire and rescue operations during emergency incidents, ensuring safety, coordination, and effective scene management.
- Operated fire suppression and rescue equipment in high-risk environments.
- Collaborated with EMS and law enforcement to improve incident response and inter-agency coordination.
- Received a departmental Bravery Citation for actions under hazardous conditions.
Paramedic Field Supervisor
Pride Care Ambulance
02.2004 - 09.2013
- Supervised field operations and personnel, ensuring staffing coverage and clinical readiness across multiple shifts.
- Managed employee scheduling, recruitment, and hiring processes, maintaining compliance with company policies and licensing standards.
- Implemented training programs to enhance clinical skills, response efficiency, and overall team performance.
- Served as incident commander on large-scale emergencies and participated in the Quality Improvement Team to strengthen patient care standards.
Paramedic
Allegan EMS, Life EMS, and Borgess Medical Center (BMC)
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Provided emergency medical response and interfacility transport in both urban and rural environments.
- Assisted with scheduling and crew coordination at Allegan EMS to support operational efficiency and shift coverage.
Education
Master of Public Health (MPH) - Public Health
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH08-2026
Bachelor of Science - Public Health
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH06-2024
Associate of Arts - Physical Education
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kalamazoo, MI01.2023
Skills
- Health promotion
- Innovative thinking
- Team leadership
- Data collection
- Public Speaking
- Sales
Accomplishments
Author of Sirens & Shenanigans: A Dumbass Hero's Guide to Surviving EMS.
Closing Keynote Speaker at EMS Winterfest Conference
Certification
- Medical & EMS
- Paramedic – State of Michigan (Active)
- CCEMT-P (Critical Care Emergency Medical Transport Paramedic)
- PHTLS Provider, ACLS, and PALS Certified
- VFIS Emergency Vehicle Operation Instructor (Active)
Timeline
Community Health Representative
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP)
07.2024 - Current
Success Coach / Instructor
Parchment Innovation Center
08.2021 - 06.2024
Club Manager
Strength and Beyond
12.2016 - 06.2018
Critical Care Paramedic Field Supervisor
Van Buren EMS (VBEMS)
09.2013 - Current
Lieutenant / Training Committee Member
Kalamazoo Township Fire Department (KTFD)
09.2008 - 12.2016
Paramedic Field Supervisor
Pride Care Ambulance
02.2004 - 09.2013
Paramedic
Allegan EMS, Life EMS, and Borgess Medical Center (BMC)
01.2000 - 01.2004
Master of Public Health (MPH) - Public Health
Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Science - Public Health
Southern New Hampshire University
Associate of Arts - Physical Education
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Awards & Honors
Bravery Citation – Kalamazoo Township Fire Department (2011), Summa Cum Laude Graduate – Southern New Hampshire University (2024)
Publications & Speaking Engagements
- Author – “Sirens & Shenanigans: A Dumbass Hero’s Guide to Surviving EMS” (Forthcoming 2026)
- Closing Keynote Speaker – EMS Winterfest Conference (Scheduled January 2026) “Just Keep Breathing: Breaking the Cycle of Silence in EMS”
- Presenter – “Bridging the Gap: Understanding Dementia in Native American Communities”
Health & Wellness
NASM Certified Personal Trainer (Active)