GMR Foundation for Research and Education
Our Mission
The mission of the GMR Foundation for Research & Education is to support clinical, education and health-system research designed to improve the care and safety of patients in the out-of-hospital setting. The Education Foundation supports research and educational activities within clinical practices, and promotes initiatives focused on improving patient care and projects that contribute directly or indirectly to the health and wellbeing of communities.
Apply for the Lifeline Grant
The Lifeline Grant: Community First Responder Recertification Grant helps volunteer and under-resourced community responder organizations reduce the cost of maintaining life-saving BLS and ALS certifications. Supported jointly by Laerdal and the GMR Foundation, the annual $30,000 program funds eligible online or blended recertification course costs. Selected organizations receive 100% of eligible costs in year one and 50% in year two, with a two-year commitment designed to help establish a sustainable recertification program. Complete the online application by October 31, 2026.
Make a Donation
If you have any questions, please contact Amy McKenney, GMR Foundation Executive Director.
AMR Foundation for Research and Education is a DBA of GMR Foundation for Research and Education.
The History
In 2018, the AMR Foundation for Research and Education became a DBA of the GMR Foundation for Research and Education. In 2012, AMR was selected as one of the nine partners in the HeartRescue Project, a multi-year initiative designed to increase the survival rate for victims of sudden cardiac arrest by 50 percent. The first action for the new AMR Foundation for Research and Education was to provide a platform from which the AMR HeartRescue Project was operated. In 2013, the annual golf tournament was adopted by the foundation as its second “project” and is now called AMR Foundation Golf Tournament. Together, these two initiatives provided the underpinnings for the AMR Foundation.
HeartRescue Project
The HeartRescue Project was a multi-year project designed to increase survival from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) throughout the United States. Survival rates from SCA had been stagnant, at 5-8 percent, for many decades. With new knowledge and a passion for the project, funded by a Medtronic Foundation philanthropic grant, the AMR Foundation awarded multiple community-based grants over the years. Additionally, the Foundation sponsored multiple resuscitation conferences hosted by some of the industry’s most prestigious leaders in resuscitation.
EMS communities throughout the U.S. impacted by the Foundation for Research and Education are highlighted in blue on the map.
Here are some helpful documents:
- 2026 GMR Foundation for Research and Education Golf Tournament Program (opens in a new tab)
- 501(C)3 (opens in a new tab)
- IRS 501(c)3 Determination Letter (opens in a new tab)
- Articles of Incorporation (opens in a new tab)
- Colorado Tax Exempt Certificate (opens in a new tab)
- W9 Form (opens in a new tab)
- Foundation Bylaws (opens in a new tab)
- Foundation Policy (opens in a new tab)
- Lifeline Grant Application (opens in a new tab)
Board of Directors
The board of directors is comprised of 12 individuals whose major responsibilities include: facilitating the mission of the foundation, providing leadership, advice and counsel to individuals and communities that are working on Foundation-sponsored projects; reviewing financial reports and setting policy and direction for the foundation; and assisting in fundraising efforts.
Randy Strozyk
President
Randy Strozyk joined the Board in October 2018 and brings more than 45 years of experience in EMS operations and management. He served on the GMR leadership team for more than 25 years, and retired in December 2024 as GMR's Senior Vice President of Executive Operations. Randy is currently serving as a senior advisor at GMR.
Strozyk earned his EMT/Paramedic certification and worked on an ambulance while studying microbiology at Washington State University. He later earned an MBA from California State University. He has been hea ...Read More
Randy Strozyk joined the Board in October 2018 and brings more than 45 years of experience in EMS operations and management. He served on the GMR leadership team for more than 25 years, and retired in December 2024 as GMR's Senior Vice President of Executive Operations. Randy is currently serving as a senior advisor at GMR.
Strozyk earned his EMT/Paramedic certification and worked on an ambulance while studying microbiology at Washington State University. He later earned an MBA from California State University. He has been heavily involved in the American Ambulance Association (AAA) for nearly two decades, serving as its past president in 2023-2024. Strozyk has a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a Master in Business Administration.
Read Less
Ted Van Horne
Past President
Edward Van Horne has served on the Board since 2015. He is known throughout the industry for his innovative approach to EMS system design and his focus on clinical excellence. Van Horne is the President and Chief Operating Officer for Global Medical Response.
Van Horne previously served as the CEO of AMR's South Region, where he directed operations from Florida to Arizona. He also served as AMR Vice President of Business Development for the West Region and, from 2002 to 2005, he served as the Director of Operations for AMR in ...Read More
Edward Van Horne has served on the Board since 2015. He is known throughout the industry for his innovative approach to EMS system design and his focus on clinical excellence. Van Horne is the President and Chief Operating Officer for Global Medical Response.
Van Horne previously served as the CEO of AMR's South Region, where he directed operations from Florida to Arizona. He also served as AMR Vice President of Business Development for the West Region and, from 2002 to 2005, he served as the Director of Operations for AMR in San Bernardino County, California. Van Horne's leadership earned wide respect during the California wildfires for his division's handling of emergency medical communications and operational components during the largest evacuation in the state's history. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Systems Administration and a Master of Business Administration.
Read Less
Mark Bruning
President Emeritus
Mark Bruning is an accomplished healthcare CEO, and currently partners with the founders of a Colorado-based development stage medical device company, where he serves as President/CEO. Bruning has held numerous healthcare leadership roles, most recently leading a private equity-owned pediatric healthcare company to significant growth in 26 months, resulting in a successful exit at an industry multiple.
Previously, Bruning served as President/Executive Vice President of AMR from 2008 to 2013. Bruning sits on several boards and ...Read More
Mark Bruning is an accomplished healthcare CEO, and currently partners with the founders of a Colorado-based development stage medical device company, where he serves as President/CEO. Bruning has held numerous healthcare leadership roles, most recently leading a private equity-owned pediatric healthcare company to significant growth in 26 months, resulting in a successful exit at an industry multiple.
Previously, Bruning served as President/Executive Vice President of AMR from 2008 to 2013. Bruning sits on several boards and community organizations, both non-profit and entrepreneurial business ventures in telemedicine, software and medical devices. He has a Master of Business Administration.
Lynn White
Member Emeritus
Lynn White has championed EMS research, data evaluation, quality improvement and policy throughout her career. She recently concluded a five-year term on the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC), and is currently serving on the Boards of NAEMSP, CARES, Pre-hospital Guidelines Consortium and is co-founder of the GMR Foundation for Research and Education's Board of Directors.
White is the vice-chair of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council’s Resuscitation Sub-Committee, and was the 2020 recipient of the ...Read More
Lynn White has championed EMS research, data evaluation, quality improvement and policy throughout her career. She recently concluded a five-year term on the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC), and is currently serving on the Boards of NAEMSP, CARES, Pre-hospital Guidelines Consortium and is co-founder of the GMR Foundation for Research and Education's Board of Directors.
White is the vice-chair of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council’s Resuscitation Sub-Committee, and was the 2020 recipient of the Ron Stewart Award from NAEMSP for her lasting, major contributions to the National EMS Community. In 2023, she received the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Committee Chairman's Award and the NAEMSP President’s Award. White has a Master of Science in Nutritional Biochemistry.
Jenny Biera
Treasurer
Biera's academic foundation is built upon a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting from Fort Hays State University. Her dedication to community and philanthropy is evident th ...Read More
Biera's academic foundation is built upon a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting from Fort Hays State University. Her dedication to community and philanthropy is evident through her prior six-year tenure as the Treasurer of a non-profit organization, Family Crisis Services.
Read Less
Scott Bourn
Secretary
Scott Bourn PhD, RN, FACHE has a diverse background in emergency medical services, emergency & critical care nursing, and education. His career roles include field paramedic, emergency department and critical care nurse, EMS system coordinator, director of a university EMS degree program, and senior clinical executive for two large national health delivery organizations. Dr. Bourn currently serves as the Vice President of Clinical Quality and Impact at Securisyn Medical, and Senior Quality Consultant at ESO Solutions.
Dr. Bourn ...Read More
Scott Bourn PhD, RN, FACHE has a diverse background in emergency medical services, emergency & critical care nursing, and education. His career roles include field paramedic, emergency department and critical care nurse, EMS system coordinator, director of a university EMS degree program, and senior clinical executive for two large national health delivery organizations. Dr. Bourn currently serves as the Vice President of Clinical Quality and Impact at Securisyn Medical, and Senior Quality Consultant at ESO Solutions.
Dr. Bourn has held numerous regional and national leadership positions, including Colorado State EMS and Trauma Advisory Council for nine years (five as Chair); National Association of EMS Educators Board 2007-2015 (President 2013-2015); Liaison to the National Association of EMS Physicians Board 2013-2015; and Advocates for EMS Board 2010-2013 (President 2012-2013).
Read Less
Brian Clemency
Board Member
Dr. Brian Clemency DO, MBA, FACEP, FAEMS, has been involved in pre-hospital care for more than 26 years. He began his career as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. He is double-boarded in Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Services.
Dr. Clemency is the Associate Medical Director for AMR of Western New York, a Professor and Vice Chair of Emergency Medicine at the University at Buffalo, and a former member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP). He has authored more than 100 ...Read More
Dr. Brian Clemency DO, MBA, FACEP, FAEMS, has been involved in pre-hospital care for more than 26 years. He began his career as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. He is double-boarded in Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Services.
Dr. Clemency is the Associate Medical Director for AMR of Western New York, a Professor and Vice Chair of Emergency Medicine at the University at Buffalo, and a former member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP). He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications on a variety of EMS topics. Dr. Clemency has a Master of Business Administration.
Read Less
Jon R. Krohmer, M.D.
Board Member
Dr. Krohmer is a member of the Kent County EMS Advisory Council and the Michigan Region 6 Trauma Advisory Committee. He is an Adjunct Asso ...Read More
Dr. Krohmer is a member of the Kent County EMS Advisory Council and the Michigan Region 6 Trauma Advisory Committee. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Michigan State University.
Dr. Krohmer is board-certified in emergency medicine and EMS. He was an attending physician and director of emergency medical services (EMS) at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was also an associate professor of emergency medicine at the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University, as well as the medical director of Kent County EMS, the West Michigan Metropolitan Medical Response System and the Region 6 Consortium. Read Less
Brian Webster
Board Member
Brian Webster is a Seattle-area native. After six years working for Boeing’s Military Airplane Division, Webster moved to Physio-Control, where he joined its mission to providing critical tools to lifesaving teams.
For more than 24 years, Webster worked in various roles at Physio-Control, including Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Commercial Sales, Vice President of Global Marketing, and President and CEO. After leading the company through its acquisition by Stryker, he now serves as Chief Executive Officer o ...Read More
Brian Webster is a Seattle-area native. After six years working for Boeing’s Military Airplane Division, Webster moved to Physio-Control, where he joined its mission to providing critical tools to lifesaving teams.
For more than 24 years, Webster worked in various roles at Physio-Control, including Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Commercial Sales, Vice President of Global Marketing, and President and CEO. After leading the company through its acquisition by Stryker, he now serves as Chief Executive Officer of the start-up med-tech company Kestra Medical Technologies. Webster has a Bachelor of Arts in Business and a Master of Business Administration.
Read Less
Andrew McCoy
Board Member
Dr. McCoy completed a residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, New York, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. He then served as the inaugural EM ...Read More
Dr. McCoy completed a residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, New York, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. He then served as the inaugural EMS fellow at the University of Washington. As EMS fellow, he worked closely with the Seattle Fire Department, King County Medic One, King County EMS and Airlift Northwest.
After his fellowship, Dr. McCoy worked clinically in the Emergency Department at Harborview Medical Center and served as the Program Director for the EMS Fellowship. Dr. McCoy has served as the Medical Director for AMR Puget Sound operations since 2016, and for Shoreline Medic One since 2018. Dr. McCoy is also a faculty member for the Resuscitation Academy. Read Less
Joseph Pahlow
Board Member
Pahlow has served on the Corporate Council for the National Patient Safety Foundation (now Institute for Healthcare Improvement), as well as the Society for Simulation in Healthcare Industry Group. He is actively involved with the Resuscitation Academy in Seattle, while managing strategic partner relationships with the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Pahlow holds a Bachelor of Arts in Health Administration. Read Less
Jaime Pozo
Board Member
Pozo defends the interest of insurance companies, its insureds and various clients with high self-insured retention in the areas of premises liability, products liability, automobile/fleet/trucking liability, personal injury (defense), construction defects and construct ...Read More
Pozo defends the interest of insurance companies, its insureds and various clients with high self-insured retention in the areas of premises liability, products liability, automobile/fleet/trucking liability, personal injury (defense), construction defects and construction-related claims, pre-suit accident investigation, professional liability, ADA and accessibility claims, emergency medicine and workers' compensation. Pozo lectures nationally on fraud, accident investigation, employer liability, catastrophic work site accidents, litigation practice and bad faith in Florida. Pozo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate. Read Less
Steven Dralle
Board Member
...Read More
With more than 20 years of field experience as a Paramedic and his service as a combat medical specialist in the U.S. Army National Guard, Dralle is an expert in the clinical aspects of the emergency medical profession. Dralle has a Master of Business Administration. Read Less
Executive Director
Amy McKenney
Executive Director
Amy McKenney, PHR, PMP, is the Executive Director for the GMR Foundation for Research and Education. Before taking on this role, she spent the last three years as the volunteer and event coordinator for the GMR Foundation for Research and Education annual golf tournament.
With an extensive background in program and event management, McKenney has spent more than 25 years working with non-profit organizations, community outreach and volunteerism programs. She was in full-time ministry for 15 years as the Executive Director of O ...Read More
Amy McKenney, PHR, PMP, is the Executive Director for the GMR Foundation for Research and Education. Before taking on this role, she spent the last three years as the volunteer and event coordinator for the GMR Foundation for Research and Education annual golf tournament.
With an extensive background in program and event management, McKenney has spent more than 25 years working with non-profit organizations, community outreach and volunteerism programs. She was in full-time ministry for 15 years as the Executive Director of Operations for a combined church, cafe and satellite college.
McKenney joined GMR in 2015, starting in human resources and employee engagement. She served as the administrator for the GMR Employee Foundation and developed the GMR Community Impact Program, for which she continues to serve as the Committee Chairperson. McKenney is also the Senior Manager for the GMR Motorsports Program.
Golf Tournament
Save the Date - Thursday, September 17, 2026
Bear Creek Golf Club - Dallas, TX
With your support, we can assist in educating the next generation of EMS providers by offering crucial funding for research and education.
Become a Golf Tournament Sponsor!
Registration opens on May 1, 2026
Registration is now open to become a 2026 Golf Tournament Sponsor
This year, we will again be hosting an online silent auction. To learn more, please review our Donation Letter or email Amy McKenney
Thank you for attending the 31st Annual GMR Foundation for Research and Education Golf Tournament!
By participating, you advance our mission to support clinical, educational, and health-systems research that improves patient care and safety in out-of-hospital settings. The Foundation funds research and education within clinical practice, and champions initiatives that strengthen patient care and contribute to the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
Founded 30 years ago, the golf tournament was created to generate financial support and in-kind donations so Colorado paramedic training programs could access advanced, high-cost medical technology. Today, the tournament is a cornerstone fundraiser for the GMR Foundation for Research and Education. Thanks to your generous support last year, we were able to award grants, program funding, and scholarships to organizations and individuals across the EMS community.
$43,000 IN RESEARCH FUNDING:
- Expanded continuing education and professional development opportunities for paramedics, supported research training through UCLAs Pre-Hospital Care Research Forum and funded research grants for EMS Medical Directors.
$35,000 IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIPS:
- Supported first-time attendee EMS professionals in attending the NAEMSP Annual Meeting, providing access to education, peer networking and engagement with leading clinicians, educators, speakers and industry experts.
During 2025, the GMR Foundation Board conducted a comprehensive review of the Institutional Scholarship Grant Program to ensure our giving strategy remains aligned with the evolving needs of the EMS community and the Foundation’s mission. Following this assessment, the Board made the decision to sunset the program and redirect resources toward a refreshed portfolio of grant opportunities focused on broader reach, measurable outcomes and long-term impact. In the months ahead, we will be launching new initiatives designed to expand access to education, strengthen clinical excellence and support evidence-based advancement in out-of-hospital care. We appreciate your continued partnership as we build these programs, and we look forward to sharing additional details including timelines and eligibility later this year.
Foundation Grant Recipients
The Disaster Management Institute and Center for Simulation (Community College of Aurora) accepts donation of Ferno Bags
Arapahoe CC accepts IO legs
We are proud to support IO training at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam with our donation of EZ-IO equipment
Medical students & Doctors at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam practice using IO needles donated by the AMR Foundation!
Medical students & doctors at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam practice using IO needles donated by the GMR Foundation!
We are proud to have helped send three educators from Pueblo Community College, of Todd Jones, Dawnelle Mathis and Michele Sweeney the NAEMSE (National Association of EMS Educators) annual educators conference.
We are proud to support Nelson Vialpando, in his path to Paramedicine through our contribution of scholarship funds to Pueblo Community College. Nelson has a four-hour, round-trip commute to attend class and is thankful for our scholarship which he says “will help to contribute to my dreams and reduce some of the financial worries accompanied with my frequent travels, allowing me to place more focus on my studies."
Denver Health Paramedics accepts $6,000 for the Brian Schimpf Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Paul LaFleur with Aims Community College accepts donation of a Zoll X Series monitor! With the addition of this new Zoll monitor, Students can now use the latest cardiac monitors in all of their scenario stations, better preparing them for work in the field.
Manikins learn CPR at Disaster Management Institute and Center for Simulation (Community College of Aurora), with CPR training manikins donated by the AMR Foundation.
St. Anthony’s PreHospital EMS Program accepts donation of Laerdal Crash Kelly manikin with computer system valued at $5,400
Pueblo Community College accepts donation of Laerdal camera system for student recording valued at $2,600
Denver Health accepts donation of iPad Pro’s with Wi-Fi for use in EMS education classrooms valued at $2,100
Denver Health Foundation accepts donation of $3,000 for the Brian Schimpf Memorial Scholarship Fund (Paramedic student scholarships)
Pikes Peak Community College teaches paramedic students with Laerdal Resusci Anne QCPR manikins donated by the AMR Foundation