Bill Seifarth, MS, NRP

Executive Director

Bill Seifarth was appointed by the National Registry Board of Directors to serve as the fifth Executive Director of the National Registry, starting August 24, 2018. A Nationally Registered paramedic and an industry veteran, Seifarth brings more than 20 years of experience to the position, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS) leadership at both the State and Federal levels, along with a background of managing several comprehensive certification programs.

Lori Leist, MLHR

Chief People Officer

The human resources team, led by Chief People Officer, Lori Leist, is responsible for managing the strategy and processes related to building and retaining an exceptional team of professionals at the National Registry.  Part of the Registry’s vision statement is to be the best place to work; Lori and her team work to make this a reality.  Ms. Leist holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of Dayton, and a Masters of Labor and Human Resources from The Ohio State University.  

“So often in life things that you regard as an impediment, turn out to be great good fortune.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Tad Rhodes

Chief Information Officer

Tad Rhodes is responsible for overseeing technology initiatives used by the National Registry in achieving the organization's mission while adding value to our stakeholders. Tad has over 20 years of project leadership and software development experience in the digital, communications, e-commerce and non-profit spheres. He is a graduate of West Virginia University with a BS in Computer Science and BA in Interdepartmental Studies.

“A grateful person is rich in contentment.  An ungrateful person suffers in the poverty of endless discontentment.” — David A. Bednar

Mihaiela Gugiu, PhD

Chief Assessment Officer

Dr. Mihaiela Gugiu is responsible for ensuring that all examinations, scores and related materials produced by the National Registry meet acceptable standards under public and professional scrutiny. Dr. Gugiu has a Ph.D. in Political Science from Western Michigan University.

Sara Hammond

Chief Financial Officer

Sara Hammond is a Senior Accountant with over ten years of experience at the National Registry. Ms. Hammond has a Bachelor's in Accounting from Franklin University.

Alan Arguello

Director of Operations

Alan Arguello leads the organization’s team responsible for partnerships with key stakeholders, including Federal Agencies, State EMS Offices, EMS Employer Agencies, and EMS Educational Programs. Alan is a Paramedic and certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He carries a Bachelor's in National Security Studies from Tulane University and a Master's in Business Administration from Louisiana State University, Shreveport.

Jon Bryden

Director of Information Technology

Jon Bryden is responsible for assisting the Chief Information Officer in overseeing the technology iniatives used by the National Registry in achieving the organization's mission while adding value to our stakeholders. Jon is responsible for directing the National Registry's information technology team. Jon has over 8 years of information technology project experience and has a Bachelor's in Business Administration and Accounting from The Ohio State University.

Megan Hollern

Certification Director

Megan Hollern assists with the development and implementation of the National Registry recertification and eligibility policies and procedures. Ms. Hollern is a Paramedic, a Registered Nurse, and she has a Master's in Management and Leadership from Webster University.

Dawn Markiecki

Director of Customer Experience

Dawn Markiecki assists with the development and implementation of the National Registry certification and eligibility policies and procedures. Ms. Markiecki has a Bachelor’s in Business Communication from Walden University.

Ash Panchal, MD, PhD

Research Director

Dr. Ashish R. Panchal oversees the National Registry's research activities and serves as a mentor for the research fellows. He is also an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and serves as the Delaware County EMS medical director. Dr. Panchal has a PhD in Organ System Physiology from Case Western Reserve University and a MD from The Ohio State University.