Jess Gibbs was named the Director of Specialty Care Services for LifeNet in October of 2021.  In this role, Jess oversees all aspects of operations for LifeNet’s air medical program which includes helicopter bases in Texarkana and Hot Springs, Arkansas and a fixed wing base in Texarkana, Arkansas.

After graduating high school in Clarksville, TN, Jess went to work in construction.  At night, he went to school to become an EMT.  While attending EMT school, Jess served as a firefighter with the Woodlawn Volunteer Fire Department.

“I wanted a profession that was stable and that gave me an opportunity to help people.  I was originally going to get into fire suppression. When I went to EMT school, I fell in love with the medical side and never looked back,” Jess explained.

After finishing EMT school, Jess got his paramedic certification and worked for a busy 911 service in Tennessee, Montgomery County EMS.  When he received his Critical Care Paramedic (CCEMT-P) endorsement, he went to work for a local flight service covering the TN & KY region.  During his tenure in helicopter EMS (HEMS), Jess obtained is Flight Paramedic Certification (FPC).  He also served as the base paramedic supervisor.

A lifelong learner, Jess went on to complete a paramedic to registered nurse (RN) bridge program at Excelsior College.  After earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, Jess earned his Master of Business Administration Degree from Cumberland University.

Jess served as a Critical Care RN at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.  During his tenure with the organization, Jess also served in an administrative role with Vanderbilt LifeFlight, where he was able to work for their event medicine program.

Steward Hospitals recruited Jess to the Texarkana area to serve as their EMS Transfer Manager, covering the Arkansas and Texas regions.  He was based at Wadley Hospital.

“I really enjoyed my time in that role because it gave me the opportunity to work with EMS agencies from across the region, including LifeNet and the LifeNet Air Medical program,” Jess explained.  “In addition to my role managing EMS relationships for the hospital, I also worked as a nurse in the ICU and COVID units during the pandemic.”

Jess’s favorite thing about serving in a leadership role in EMS is helping other people reach their goals and potentials.

“I tell others, have a growth mindset. Always keep working towards your goals. Set small, measurable, and obtainable goals,” he explained.

When Jess isn’t at work, he enjoys spending time in the outdoors, hunting, and fishing.  He also enjoys exercising and competing in fitness. His wife, Erin, is also an RN.  They have four children, and one grandchild.