The Region M Healthcare Coalition has announced the appointment of Andy Smith, Director of Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Preparedness at Coffee Regional Medical Center, as its new Coalition Coordinator. Smith brings more than three decades of emergency medical services experience and leadership to the role and will help coordinate emergency preparedness efforts among healthcare and public safety partners across Southeast Georgia.
Healthcare coalitions bring together healthcare organizations and emergency response partners to improve preparedness and ensure a coordinated response during emergencies. The Region M Healthcare Coalition includes hospitals, public health agencies, emergency responders, and community partners who work together to strengthen the region’s ability to respond to a wide range of situations. Through joint planning, training, and resource sharing, the coalition helps ensure healthcare systems are ready to respond effectively to natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other large-scale incidents.
Region M includes healthcare and emergency response partners from 11 counties in Southeast Georgia: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Pierce, Ware, and Wayne. Through coordinated planning and partnerships, the coalition works to improve readiness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts across the region.
Smith has served in emergency medical services for 31 years, beginning his career after earning his initial EMT certification from Valdosta Technical College. He later earned his Paramedic certification from Darton College, building the foundation for a long career in emergency response and leadership.
For more than two decades, Smith served the community in Tifton, Georgia, working his way through the ranks as an EMT, Shift Paramedic, Shift Lieutenant, Captain, and Major. In 2017, he joined Coffee Regional Medical Center as Director of Emergency Medical Services. In 2020, he also assumed responsibilities as the hospital’s Emergency Preparedness Director, helping lead planning and coordination for disaster readiness and emergency response across the organization.
Smith also has a strong background in EMS education and operational leadership, as well as specialized training as a Certified Tactical Medic. In recognition of his contributions to the profession, Smith was named EMS Director of the Year in 2022 by the Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association, one of the state’s highest honors for EMS leadership.
