Leadership Profiles
MHPC Staff
Bio
Roles and Responsibilities
- Regional Healthcare Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Coordination
- Finance/Grant Management
- Digital Media Engagement
- Student Intern Management
Contact Hannah
hannah.gompers@atriumhealth.org
Cell: 704-579-4150
Bio
Kariena started in Emergency Medical Services as a volunteer with Matthews Fire and Rescue department in 2000. This spurred Kariena’s interest in the EMS field and began her career at Mecklenburg EMS Agency in 2001. During the 15 years at MEDIC she worked in a high paced and rapidly growing community and EMS system. Over the course of the years she worked as a 911 dispatcher, EMT basic and spent the past 9 years as a Paramedic as well as assist with training at MEDIC. She has had opportunities to work in a variety of different venues and high profile events. She has worked as a Special Operation Paramedic attached to the local law enforcement for special missions and was the training officer for the team. She has also trained and handled her SAR/USAR K9 until recently when the K9 was retired. She has an AAS in Electronic Engineering Technology and a BS in Emergency Disaster Management from Western Carolina University.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Exercise / Evaluation Coordination
- Education Coordination
- Mental Health Awareness Coordination
- LTC Coordination Deputy
Contact KC
kariena.bernesser@atriumhealth.org
Cell: 704-258-8966
Bio
Scott’s exposure to disaster management began as a paramedic and member of a SMAT-III team. He functioned with hazardous materials, confined space/structural collapse, and special events teams. He holds a BS in biology and a BA in English from Appalachian State University, as well as an MPA with a concentration in Emergency Management from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Hospital First Receiver Project Management
- Planning Lead – HVA, Regional Planing
- Secondary – Logistics/Operations
- Healthcare Information Sharing System
Contact Scott
michael.hess@atriumhealth.org
Cell: 704-221-2818
Bio
Mike graduated Magna Cum Laude from Western Carolina University in 2016 with a Bachelors of Emergency and Disaster Management. He also hold an Associate Degree in Fire Protection Technology from Central Piedmont Community College. Prior to assuming his current position, Mike was the Logistics Specialist for seven months with MHPC. He also spent four years at North Mecklenburg Volunteer Rescue Squad, two of which he was appointed Assistant Chief. Additionally, Mike has worked as a firefighter, EMT with Mecklenburg EMS Agency, and taught EMT courses at Central Piedmont Community College. He acquired his AEM (Associate Emergency Manager) credential in 2017 and has a three year old daughter named Chloe.
Roles and Responsibilities
- SMAT III Liaison
- SMAT II Leader
- Logistics and Operations Lead
- Supply Chain Integrity Assessment
Contact Mike
Michael.tessari@atriumhealth.org
Cell: 704-351-8832
Bio
Ron graduated with a Master of Public Health degree from Columbia Southern University as well as a bachelor’s degree in emergency and disaster management from American Public University. He has been an EMT for 20 years, 16 of which were spent as a career provider in several different healthcare settings. Before joining the Metrolina Healthcare Preparedness Coalition team, Ron worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. He was the lead administrator for the learning management system and developed online training programs for EMS providers in the commonwealth. He was also working with the COVID-19 Long Term Care team dealing with scheduling universal testing and the fulfillment critical personal protective equipment.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Long-Term Care Coordinator
Contact Ron
Ronald.henschel@atriumhealth.org
Cell: 980-293-2356
MHPC Steering Committee
Mark Lamphiear started his road to an EMS career watching re-runs of Rescue 8 on TV, and later in a Search and Rescue Explorer Post. He earned his EMT certification in in 1975 and Paramedic certification in 1978, graduating from the first Paramedic class at the Oregon Health and Science University. After working his way up on the streets, Mark was hired to head EMS in Gaston County, NC in 1992. Lamphiear earned an MBA from Queens University in Charlotte, NC in 2000. He holds designation as a Chief EMS Officer, and counts it as a privilege to serve in EMS . . . “It’s not just a job, it’s a calling”. Mark is honored to serve on the Steering Committee for the Metrolina Healthcare Preparedness Coalition. Mark and his wife Becky have four grown kids, four kids-in-law, and nine grandkids . . . six boys and three girls. He enjoys time with family, boating, camping, hiking, and traveling to National parks and historic sites.
Bobby is the current Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, North Carolina. He has over 40 years of Healthcare & Emergency Management experience combining leadership skills and clinical competence. Bobby has a Management Certificate in Disaster Preparedness from University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Winston Salem State University and an Associates Applied Science in Emergency Medical Science. He lives in Maiden, NC with his wife Darla.
Bobby is the Hospital 2 Regional Representative on the Steering Committee.