Key Personnel

Mr. Lee Wills has had a distinguished career at Regional Paramedical Services, beginning in September 1997 as a paramedic and Supervisor in Walker County. Over the years, he advanced to roles of increasing responsibility, including North District Operations Manager in January 2008, Chief Financial Officer for four years, and ultimately CEO. Currently, he serves as CEO and President of Regional Air-Medical Services (RAMS) and President of Regional Training Institute.

Mr. Wills holds several certifications including Nationally Registered Paramedic, ACLS, BTLS, PEPP Provider, CPR/BLS Instructor, and EVOC. He is also actively involved in his community as a member of York Lodge 211 of Masons in Jasper, AL, and the Zamora Shriners.

Personally, Mr. Wills married Melissa in 2000, and they have one daughter named Cadence.

Mr. Waid joined Regional Paramedical Services in July 1987. Mr. Waid currently serves as Director of Operations. Mr. Waid has been a paramedic since 1984 and is certified ACLS, PALS, BTLS, PEPP, CPR, EVOC instructor, and a Hazmat Specialist. Mr. Waid has been the fire chief in Sumiton since 1992, an instructor at Bevill State Community College, and a certified Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC) certified police officer.  Mr. Waid is married to his wife Sonia, and they have two sons Michael and Brodie.

Mr. Pendley joined Regional Paramedical Services in December 1995. He began as an EMT Basic and continually progressed to Executive Board with RPS. He is married to Jenny Pendley from Cullman. They have two children Molly and Tucker Brack. Eric is a 1991 graduate of Curry High School in Walker County. He attended Jacksonville State University and Bevill State Community College. Eric also serves as the President of the Alabama Association of Ambulance Services. His leadership has guided historical changes in our industry with Alabama Medicaid reimbursement. Eric crafted the Alabama Act that declared EMS an essential service in Alabama.  Mr. Pendley’s leadership has guided successfully passing several bills in Montgomery and identified EMS with a strong presence at the Alabama Statehouse. He also served as Chairman of the EMS Council for Walker County. Eric enjoys sports, fishing, golf and spending time with his family in his spare time. Eric and his family are members of Temple Baptist Church in Cullman.

Mrs. Thrasher joined RPS in May 2009, serving as Controller until becoming Chief Financial Officer in 2021.  She has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and 25 years of experience, previously working for various medical and corporate groups in Jasper and Birmingham.  She is responsible for all financial matters for ground and air services, and manages the departmental Directors of Human Resources, Payroll and Billing.

Lisa lives in Sumiton with her husband Greg and daughter Abby.  They are active members of Hillside Church, where Lisa serves as the Financial Secretary.  They enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and weekends at their place on Smith Lake in Arley.

Mr. McDonnell joined Regional Paramedical Services in November 1994. Mr. McDonnell currently serves as the South District Manager for the company. Mr. McDonnell has been a paramedic since 1992, is current as instructor for CPR, ACLS, PEPP, and BTLS, a credentialing coordinator, WMD and EMS Program Instructor with Jefferson State Community College in Shelby County. Mr. McDonnell also serves as Chief Deputy Coroner for Shelby County

Mr. Patton joined Regional Paramedical Services in January 2005. Mr. Patton currently serves as the Communications Director for both Regional Paramedical Services and Regional Air-Medical services. Mr. Patton has been a Registered Nurse since 2013 and also serves Regional Paramedical Services as their coordinator for dialysis evaluations and approvals. Mr. Patton is a certified BLS, First Aid, and CPR instructor; and is has certifications in EMD, EVOC, ACLS, and PALS.

Mr. Abbott joined Regional Paramedical Services in August 1999 as an automotive mechanic and was later promoted to Shop Supervisor, he now serves as the company’s Maintenance Director. He is currently certified on 6.0 and 7.3 Diesel Engines, NGS and IDS Diagnostic Software, and Maintenance for Stryker stair chairs and stretchers. Mr. Abbott currently serves as Youth Director for Providence Baptist Church where his family are members. He is a loving husband and father of four beautiful children, whom he loves spending time with.