Board of Directors

Meeting time: 4th Thursday of each month at 4:30 P.M. Call for location. 315-686-4333 Meeting is open to the public.

Vision Statement:

The Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service (TIERS) will be recognized regionally and statewide for excellence and as a model agency for the delivery of the highest possible levels of emergency medical service in a rural setting.

Responsibilities:

The Thousand Island Emergency Rescue Service (TIERS) Board of Directors is responsible for providing governance and oversight of the strategy, operation, and management of the Thousand Island Emergency Rescue Service. The primary mission of the board is to represent and protect the interests of our communities with a well-managed and viable not-for-profit EMS organization. The Board oversees our senior management, to whom it has delegated the authority to manage the day-to-day operations of TIERS. The Board has adopted Corporate Governance Policies which, together with our By-laws and Articles of Incorporation, form the Board’s organization to execute responsibilities. The Board meets monthly and is comprised of Independent Directors.

The Board of Directors are as follows:

Roland “Bud” Baril - Former Chair - Clayton

Bud brings over 20 years of experience to TIERS. An active member of the Clayton Rotary and the Clayton Improvement Association, he has served primarily as Chairman on the Town and Village of Clayton Planning Board and the Clayton Local Development Corporation. Bud also has extensive business management experience from his marina in New Jersey, along with a passion for education from his time as a college professor.

Robert “Bobby” Cantwell, Jr. – Clayton

Bobby is a native of Clayton and a dedicated local business owner. He previously spent several years on our board as the Town of Clayton Liaison. Currently, he serves as a Jefferson County Legislator and chairs our Political Outreach Committee, where he actively works to strengthen community engagement and advocacy.

Judy Curtiss – Orleans

Judy is a summer resident of Wellesley Island and stays engaged with us year-round through her virtual presence. With a strong background in healthcare administration and consultation, she brings valuable expertise to our team. Judy also chairs our Strategic Planning Committee, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping our future direction.

Allen Heberling - Clayton

Allen is a former resident of Clayton, having retired from a successful career in the tech industry on the West Coast. Initially serving as the Town of Clayton Liaison, he has seamlessly transitioned to a full member of the Board. With his extensive background in engineering and project management, Allen brings a wealth of expertise and a fresh perspective to our team.  

Larry Girard – Clayton

Larry is an active member of the Jefferson County Fire Advisory Board and the North Country Regional Emergency Medical Services Council. A former Chief of the Depauville Volunteer Fire Department, he regularly responds to medical calls with TI-Rescue, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to emergency services. Larry’s commitment to the community and collaborative spirit make him a valuable asset to our team.

Kathrine "Kat" Navarra - Watertown

Kat is a dedicated respiratory therapist with extensive experience in local hospitals. She brings a unique perspective to our board, serving as a vital liaison that connects us with healthcare facilities in the community. Through her efforts, she not only fosters collaboration but also provides valuable training opportunities for our staff, enhancing our overall capabilities.

Christopher Erdman - Hammond

Chris joins TIERS with a wealth of experience and a passion for advancing emergency services. Currently serving as the Disaster Preparedness Coordinator at River Hospital, he brings over 25 years of expertise in pre-hospital emergency services and emergency management. With his extensive knowledge and commitment, Chris is dedicated to helping TIERS innovate and thrive in the future.

Michael Ingerson - Cape Vincent

Mike is a recent addition to the board, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his long tenure at BCA Construction Managers, where he has worked since 1999. Over the past five years, he has successfully managed over $110 million in new construction and $25 million in renovation projects. With his extensive industry knowledge and business acumen, Mike is poised to make a significant impact on advancing TIERS within the community.

Town of Orleans and the Town of Clayton

Both the Town of Clayton and Orleans have representation on the TI-Rescue Board of Directors. The respective town supervisors or their delegates are ex-officio members of our Board of Directors and committees and actively participate in the organization.