Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Kate Shewchuk

Chicago,IL

Summary

Experienced EMS operations leader with over 31 years in emergency medical services, progressing from frontline paramedic and dispatcher to Director of Operations. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage multi-site logistics, oversee fleet readiness, and ensure compliance with state and city EMS regulations. Skilled in personnel management, training program development, and operational strategy execution. Committed to improving patient care delivery, optimizing performance, and mentoring high-performing teams.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Operations

Lifeline Ambulance
05.2023 - 04.2025


  • Directed full-spectrum operations across three Lifeline Ambulance locations, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and high-quality service delivery.
  • Led and developed a multidisciplinary Operations Team including EMS Coordinators, Schedulers, Special Events staff, and field personnel.
  • Oversaw daily activities across multiple departments to ensure alignment with organizational goals and regulatory standards.
  • Managed IDPH inspections, ambulance and medicar licensing (state and city), and maintained compliance with all regulatory requirements.
  • Coordinated ordering and inventory management for ambulance supplies, medications, and essential medical equipment.
  • Supervised fleet operations including vehicle maintenance, repairs, and readiness in collaboration with in-house mechanics.
  • Developed and executed an onboarding program and Field Training Officer (FTO) structure to support new hire integration and workforce development.
  • Recruited and interviewed staff across all operational roles, ensuring staffing needs were met with qualified and well-trained personnel.
  • Championed a leadership-driven culture by mentoring the Ops Team and empowering them to guide and support street-level staff effectively.
  • Handled all aspects of payroll, including special pay structures and timecard management, ensuring timely and accurate employee compensation.
  • Collaborated closely with the local Medical System to ensure EMT and Paramedic training, certifications, and performance reviews met current clinical standards.
  • Worked with senior and corporate leadership to execute strategic initiatives, manage departmental budgets, control overtime costs, and drive long-term business objectives.
  • Implemented operational strategies and process improvements that enhanced productivity, reduced waste, and supported organizational growth.
  • Analyzed key performance indicators and operational data to identify inefficiencies and lead targeted improvements.

Regional Operations Manager

Lifeline Ambulance
09.2021 - 05.2023


  • Managed operations across multiple ambulance service locations within the region, ensuring consistency in service delivery, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.
  • Supervised local leadership teams and provided strategic guidance to ensure alignment with company policies and performance goals.
  • Coordinated region-wide scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation to meet daily service demands and special event coverage.
  • Standardized operating procedures across locations to improve workflow, compliance, and training consistency.
  • Led hiring initiatives regionally, including interviewing, onboarding, and talent development for EMTs, Paramedics, and support staff.
  • Worked closely with vehicle maintenance teams and fleet coordinators to ensure fleet readiness and safety across all sites.
  • Monitored operational budgets and spending, identifying cost-saving opportunities and improving financial oversight across the region.
  • Supported IDPH inspections and ensured all locations maintained up-to-date city and state ambulance licensing.
  • Acted as the key liaison between field operations and executive leadership, providing regular updates on performance, challenges, and regional needs.
  • Played a central role in leadership development, mentoring local managers and fostering a strong, service-driven culture.
  • Functioned as EMS Coordinator and also participating in EMS Education and re-education for employees

Dispatch Manger/Director of Communications

Lifeline Ambulance Service Inc.
12.2014 - 09.2021


  • Oversaw day-to-day operations of the dispatch department, ensuring efficient coordination and deployment of ambulance and medicar crews.
  • Scheduled staff shifts, conducted interviews, facilitated new hire training, and performed regular staff performance reviews.
  • Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline dispatch operations and improve service delivery.
  • Managed scheduling for non-emergency, urgent, and emergency medical transportation calls, ensuring timely and appropriate responses.
  • Acted as the first line of contact for all field personnel, addressing incidents, accidents, employee concerns, and injuries in real time.
  • Maintained daily communication with Operations and Upper Management to ensure alignment on staffing, equipment, and deployment needs.
  • Ensured all crews had properly functioning equipment and vehicles ready for deployment.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by addressing and resolving client concerns and service-related issues promptly and professionally.

Dispatcher/ Paramedic/Critical Care Paramedic

Medex Ambulance
04.2005 - 12.2014


  • Served in a dual-role capacity, working full-time 12-hour shifts in dispatch while also providing field support as a Paramedic and Critical Care Paramedic as needed.
  • Coordinated closely with fellow dispatchers to ensure clear communication, timely responses, and a high level of customer service.
  • Maintained real-time communication with Operations Staff to support efficient resource deployment and response tracking.
  • Dispatched emergency and non-emergency medical transport calls, prioritizing assignments based on acuity and availability.
  • Stepped in as a field Paramedic during staffing needs, delivering high-quality patient care in dynamic and often high-pressure environments.
  • Earned certification as a Critical Care Paramedic, regularly serving on Critical Care Ambulances and managing complex, high-acuity patient transports.
  • Contributed to interdepartmental collaboration, bridging communication between dispatch, operations, and field crews.

Education

Certificate - Ambulance Service Management

Ambulance Service Management Fitch And Associates
San Antonio, TX
04-2025

Critical Care Paramedic - Critical Care Paramedic

UMBC CCEMTP At Loyola Hospital
Maywood, IL
06-2006

Paramedic - Paramedicine

St Francis Hospital Paramedic Program
Evanston, IL
06-1996

No Degree - Emergency Medical Technician Basic

Wright Jr College
Chicago, IL
05-1994

Skills

  • Operational productivity
  • Strategic planning and execution
  • Budget oversight
  • Continuous process evaluation
  • Leadership development
  • Effective staffing strategies
  • Operational efficiency management
  • Effective team collaboration
  • Effective team leadership
  • Customer service leadership
  • Staff hiring and orientation
  • Workforce planning

Accomplishments

Key Accomplishments
  • Promoted through four leadership roles from Dispatcher/Paramedic to Director of Operations, demonstrating consistent performance and leadership growth.
  • Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across dispatch and field operations, reducing communication errors and improving response efficiency.
  • Designed and launched a formal Field Training Officer (FTO) program, streamlining onboarding and reducing new hire turnover.
  • Led successful IDPH inspections across multiple locations with zero compliance issues, maintaining uninterrupted operational licensure.
  • Improved on-time call response by 20% through optimized deployment strategies and improved shift scheduling.
  • Directed operations for three ambulance sites, overseeing 100+ staff members, vehicle readiness, and daily EMS deployment.
  • Reduced overtime expenses and payroll discrepancies by implementing proactive scheduling systems and accurate timecard tracking.
  • Built and mentored a strong leadership team, empowering Operations staff to manage daily field operations independently and effectively.
  • Strengthened partnerships with regional Medical Systems to ensure ongoing clinical education, certification compliance, and performance improvement for EMTs and Paramedics.
  • Served on a weekly Critical Care Ambulance as a CCP, managing complex interfacility transports and supporting high-acuity care delivery.

Certification

IDPH Paramedic License ( Current)

ACLS ( Current)

PALS ( Current)

ITLS ( Current)

CPR (Current)

ASM Spring 2025 (Current)

EMD

CCEMTP

Timeline

Director of Operations

Lifeline Ambulance
05.2023 - 04.2025

Regional Operations Manager

Lifeline Ambulance
09.2021 - 05.2023

Dispatch Manger/Director of Communications

Lifeline Ambulance Service Inc.
12.2014 - 09.2021

Dispatcher/ Paramedic/Critical Care Paramedic

Medex Ambulance
04.2005 - 12.2014

Certificate - Ambulance Service Management

Ambulance Service Management Fitch And Associates

Critical Care Paramedic - Critical Care Paramedic

UMBC CCEMTP At Loyola Hospital

Paramedic - Paramedicine

St Francis Hospital Paramedic Program

No Degree - Emergency Medical Technician Basic

Wright Jr College

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