Special to IFN
Following a national search, Iredell County officials announced Wednesday that Eric Morrison has been hired as Emergency Medical Services director, effective November 14.
Morrison has nearly three decades of relevant experience and a track record of excellence in care and a dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others. For the past seven years, he has served as EMS director for Piedmont Medical Center, a South Carolina hospital-based EMS agency with 165 employees and an annual budget of $14 million. Prior to that, he held roles in North Carolina, including as EMS director for Wilkes County and various roles for MEDIC in Mecklenburg County. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Appalachian State University and a Master of Business Administration from Pfeiffer University.
In addition to his hands-on experience and passion for public service, Morrison is deeply committed to honoring the sacrifices of EMS personnel. He serves as a board member for the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, an organization that pays tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“I am excited to join Iredell County and appreciate the faith leadership is placing in me,” Morrison said. “Being patient-centered is the objective, but I recognize achieving that requires leadership to be employee-focused. In the end, I believe leadership is about serving those you have the privilege of leading.”
New deputy director of Support Services
Robby Milton will be joining Iredell County EMS as deputy director of Support Services. In this role, he will be responsible for quality assurance, training, and recruitment.
Milton has a passion for responsive, forward-thinking, and patient-centered care developed across a nearly 20-year career. Since 2008, he has worked for Burke County. For the past two years, Milton has served as major of operations/deputy director of EMS, managing all aspects of operations and helping design and implement community paramedicine and prehospital blood programs. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management from Western Carolina University and a Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration from Arizona State University.
Morrison and Milton will join two long-standing employees, Deputy Director of Operations David Cloer and Assistant Director Misty Saunders, to make up the department’s executive leadership team.
“Iredell County is fortunate to have a talented and committed EMS team serving our community,” said County Manager Beth Milton. “We are confident Mr. Morrison and Mr. Milton, alongside our existing leaders, will help propel the agency forward as we strive to become the premier EMS agency in the country.”
Iredell County EMS is the sole Advanced Life Support (ALS) provider for the county and its municipalities, responding to more than 33,000 calls annually. The department includes more than 200 full- and part-time professionals that respond to 911 calls, handle routine and out-of-county patient transfers, deliver community paramedicine, and operate an impactful peer support program.
Interested in joining the team?
Iredell County EMS is currently recruiting for EMTs and paramedics. Visit www.iredellcountync.gov by Wednesday, November 20, for more information or to apply.