Steve Near is a dedicated EMS leader with a proven record of driving innovation, collaboration, and excellence in prehospital care. He currently serves as Chief of Operations for Greene County Paramedics, a high-performance agency responding to over 4,000 calls annually. In this role, Steve has implemented strategic initiatives that have reduced response times, expanded advanced clinical capabilities, and raised the standard of care countywide.
Beyond his agency, Steve serves as the Greene County representative to the Regional EMS Council (REMSCO), where he assists in regional planning and policy development. He is also actively involved in advancing prehospital blood product initiatives, working to bring lifesaving resources to the field. Frequently sought out by fellow EMS administrators, Steve is recognized as a trusted voice and resource for guiding system-wide improvements.
Steve’s leadership was pivotal in launching Greene County Paramedics’ prehospital ventilator program, one of the first of its kind in the region. The program has already improved outcomes for critically ill patients and influenced surrounding agencies to follow suit, reflecting his ability to lead change not only within his organization but across the wider EMS community.
A strong advocate for innovation and professional growth, Steve believes that effective leadership in EMS is about empowering providers, advancing care, and building supportive management systems that can help his providers meet the most critical needs of the community.