Jamie Pafford-Gresham is an accomplished leader with a deep-rooted legacy in the emergency medical services (EMS) industry.
As the CEO of Pafford Medical Services, one of the largest privately owned ambulance services in the United States, Jamie has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s success. Her first-hand experience in every department within her family’s 58-year-old business has been instrumental in continuing its legacy of excellence in emergency medical care.
Jamie currently oversees operations across a five-state service area, managing a dedicated team of paramedics who provide critical care to over 100 communities. In addition to ensuring the highest standards of patient care, she is deeply involved in safeguarding the company’s financial integrity and actively evaluating growth opportunities.
A passionate advocate for Rural EMS, Jamie works tirelessly to secure support and resources for small communities nationwide, particularly through legislative efforts on Capitol Hill. Her successful initiatives have included working on reimbursement programs for ambulance services, such as Upper Payment Limit models and balance billing legislation in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. Jamie’s professional leadership extends beyond Pafford Medical Services. She currently serves as President and CEO of the company, is President of the American Ambulance Association, and serves on several state ambulance boards. Additionally, she is a member of the Arkansas 911 Board, a governor-appointed position.
In recognition of her remarkable leadership, Jamie was recently named one of to the 2025 Class of Fifty Over 50 in AMP Arkansas Money & Politics, Women We Admire’s 2024 list of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Arkansas, and she has also been included in the Top 100 Women of Impact in Arkansas for 2023 by the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas. These accolades underscore her influence both within the EMS industry and beyond.
Her commitment to community and education is equally strong. As Co-Chair of the Miss Arkansas Foundation Board, Jamie has assisted in securing and awarding hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships, supporting young women in their educational pursuits across the state. She also contributes to local organizations, serving on the University of Arkansas – Hope & Texarkana Board of Visitors, the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation, and as Executive Director of two Miss Arkansas Preliminary Competitions.
Despite her demanding professional responsibilities, Jamie remains deeply connected to her roots in Hope, Arkansas, where she lives with her high school sweetheart husband, Ben Gresham. The two were just named Citizens of the Year by Hope/Hempstead county Chamber of commerce.