The Alle-Kiski Emergency Services Authority is governed by a Board of Directors designed to ensure balanced representation and regional collaboration.
Each participating municipality appoints two members to the Board, providing direct local input and accountability. In addition, one at-large member is jointly appointed by a majority of the participating municipalities. This position is intended to provide a broader, regional perspective and help unify decision-making across communities.
Together, the Board is responsible for setting policy, overseeing operations, and ensuring the delivery of reliable, high-quality emergency medical services throughout the region.
1. Richard Jones
2. Ralph Jones
1. Jerry Taylor, MD FACEP
2. Nicole Kocon
1. Susan Clark
2. Chuck Blackburn
Chair: Jamie Nee
Vice-Chair: Rick Jones
Secretary: Susan Clark
Treasurer: Nicole Kocon
Richard Jones Biography
Jerry Taylor Biography
Dr. Jerry Taylor is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician with over 25 years of experience serving the region. He began his career in EMS as a paramedic and later earned his Doctor of Medicine from Penn State College of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Pittsburgh and went on to serve in multiple hospital leadership roles, including EMS Medical Director and President of the Medical Staff. Dr. Taylor brings deep clinical and operational knowledge and remains committed to strengthening EMS systems and improving emergency care for residents across the region.
Susan Clark Biography
Susan Clark serves as a Tarentum Borough Council Member and brings decades of EMS and public service experience to the Authority. She began her career as an EMT in 1999 and became a paramedic in 2006, with additional training in fire and rescue operations. Clark previously worked in a VA emergency department and has been actively involved with Eureka Fire and EMS since 2007, both as a paid and volunteer member. Her background reflects a lifelong commitment to service, and she remains dedicated to strengthening emergency response and ensuring reliable, high-quality EMS delivery for the community.
Ralph Jones Biography
Ralph “Sam” Jones is a lifelong Brackenridge resident with extensive experience in EMS and public service. He began his EMS career in 1997 as an EMT with Parkway Ambulance, a family-run service in the borough. Following its closure, he joined Brackenridge Borough, where he continues to serve and was recently elected Union President. Jones has also been a dedicated volunteer with Pioneer Hose Company since 1984, holding multiple leadership roles. His deep roots in the community and decades of service provide valuable perspective as the Authority works to strengthen and sustain regional EMS services
Nicole Kocon Biography
Nicole Phillips Kocon is a lifelong resident of the Alle-Kiski Valley, having lived in Tarentum, Brackenridge, and Harrison. She is a seasoned financial and operational leader with over 25 years of experience in nonprofit and higher education institutions, managing organizations with budgets exceeding $100 million. Her expertise includes budgeting, personnel management, strategic planning, and policy development. Kocon brings a strong systems and governance perspective to the Authority, with a focus on sustainability and accountability. She is committed to helping build a stable, well-managed EMS system that meets the long-term needs of the region.
Chuck Blackburn Biography
Chuck Blackburn brings decades of experience in healthcare, EMS development, and public service to the Authority. With a background in pharmacy and early exposure to pioneering CPR techniques, he played a key role in the transition of Eureka Fire Company into modern EMS operations, serving as its first EMS Chief. Blackburn helped develop equipment standards, supported EMT and paramedic training, and contributed to the growth of pre-hospital care locally. He also worked in wound care, national clinical education efforts, and healthcare policy advocacy. His lifelong commitment to service provides valuable perspective in strengthening and sustaining regional emergency medical services systems.
Jamie Nee Biography
Jamie Nee is a licensed social worker and healthcare leader with over 35 years of experience in health and mental health services. She currently serves as Director of Case Management at Allegheny General Hospital, where she leads care coordination and patient support efforts. Nee holds degrees from Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh and maintains an ACM-SW certification. She also serves as a Harrison Township Commissioner, bringing both clinical and governance experience to the Authority. Her career reflects a strong commitment to patient care, community service, and building systems that support individuals and families across the region.