The Virginia Ambulance Association represents the interests of private ambulance services across the commonwealth. EMS is the backbone of healthcare access and deserves a seat at any table where healthcare policy and legislation will be the focus. We must educate our legislators about our role and how we fit into the rapidly changing healthcare environment. They must understand the challenges we face on a daily basis in providing our services before we will be able to convince them to take action on our behalf. Likewise, it is important to educate the public about our role in their healthcare access and the emergency response system.
- The VAA offers a unified voice to EMS agencies across the state.
- We actively monitor legislation that affects EMS and emergency responders so that we might recognize potential opportunities to improve the EMS system or to avoid negative impacts from legislative acts.
- VAA members can share information such as training opportunities and discuss topics specific to our profession.
- There are opportunities for networking and building relationships that strengthen agencies and the system as a whole.
- The VAA can assist with PR campaigns that increase awareness of our industry.
- An association unified in representation of the industry can participate in planning groups and committees at the local, state and national levels.
- There exists the potential for group purchasing and discounts on supplies and equipment.
The VAA has a history of providing support to agencies across the commonwealth, from being instrumental in advocating for correct payment from the Virginia Medicaid transportation broker to providing input on state policies and legislation via our seat on the Governor’s EMS Advisory Board. We hope you will join us in representing our industry and seeking to improve the EMS industry across the Commonwealth.
Please visit this website often to learn more about our efforts!
President
Tanya Ison serves as the President of the Virginia Ambulance Association and is the Owner and Operator of Angel Rides Inc. A certified EMT and paramedic student at Germanna Community College, Tanya brings more than 20 years of business and financial experience, including nine years as a government financial analyst. She is also a U.S. military veteran and is known for her hands-on, lead-by-example leadership style—helping teams set clear goals, stay accountable, and achieve measurable results.
Vice President
Amanda McQuistian is an experienced healthcare operations leader and paramedic with a strong background in emergency medical services and organizational strategy. As Director of Operations at LifeCare Medical Transports, she drives initiatives to improve patient care quality, operational efficiency, and compliance across multi-jurisdictional EMS systems. Amanda holds a bachelor’s in health administration from Old Dominion University and a Master of Health Administration at South University. Recognized with the Outstanding EMS Leadership Award and Star of Life honors, EMS Next with the AAA, she is also an educator Coordinator and founder of The Second Watch Project, advocating for first responder mental health and resilience.
Representative to the Governor’s Advisory Board
He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Governor’s EMS Advisory Board, is President of the Rappahannock EMS Council, the Chairman of the Board of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, serves on the board of the Colonial Beach Community Foundation, and serves on the board of U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine.
Kevin is a past President of the Virginia Ambulance Association (VAA), past President of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads (VAVRS), past President of the Priority Ambulance Leadership Foundation (PALF), founder of the National EMS Memorial Service, and co-founder of the EMS Exchange Programs with Germany and Colombia.
He has handled operational components during local, state, national, and international events. Most recently taking multiple trips to Ukraine to assist with the placement of ambulances and fire engines in that country to assist with the war efforts.
Kevin earned a master’s in business administration (MBA) from Averett College, a bachelor’s in economics degree from the University of Mary Washington and an associate’s degree in business from Germanna Community College. He is a Leadership Fredericksburg graduate, an inductee to the Virginia Rescue and Life Saving Hall of Fame, a life member of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, a life member of the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad, a life member of Chancellor Volunteer Fire and Rescue, and an honorary life member of Aquia Harbour Volunteer Rescue Squad. He is a recipient of the Virginia Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, and a recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Emergency Medical Services.
Former Past President
Steve Higgins will serve the VAA in 2026 as the Immediate Past President of the board. Steve is a Registered Nurse and EMT-Intermediate, with a 32-year background in EMS. He has served in both volunteer (Radford University EMS, Pulaski County Rescue Squad, and Harrisonburg Rescue Squad) and career (Priority Patient Transport, and Carilion Patient Transport) EMS roles and currently works as an owner and Vice-President of Priority Patient Transport. Steve has undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and Nursing, and an MBA – Healthcare Administration. As a representative of the VAA Steve has participated in numerous committees and workgroups, and has advocated for the advancement of Mobile Integrated Healthcare and Community Paramedicine in Virginia, as well as maintaining a focus on mental-health patient transportation.