GOLD CROSS AMBULANCE SERVICE - Key Persons


Andrew Olson

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Gold Cross Team
  • Operations Manager - Special Operations
Andrew Olson became a vital member of the Gold Cross team as a Critical Care Paramedic in 2020, just as the global pandemic began to unfold. His background encompasses roles in in hospital care, private EMS, and the fire service. Throughout his career, Andrew has lent his expertise to esteemed organizations such as Lake Country Fire & Rescue, Waukesha County Technical College, Western Lakes Fire District, Froedtert Health, and Event Medical Solutions. His tenure with these institutions has honed his abilities and broadened his perspective on emergency medical care.

Brian Nolde

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Gold Cross Team
  • Operations Manager - Training and Education
Brian joined Gold Cross in May 2023 and brings over 15 years of experience as a paramedic. Throughout his career, he has held various roles, including Field Supervisor, Critical Care Paramedic, Flight Paramedic, Combat Medic, and Instructor. Brian has a strong background in trauma, which he developed during his deployments as a Combat Medic. He has played a crucial role in advancing protocols and developing the Gold Cross Whole Blood Program, collaborating closely with the medical director. Additionally, he holds advanced certifications in both flight paramedicine and tactical paramedicine.

Bridgette Vine

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Gold Cross Team
  • Operations Manager - Fleet and Logistics
Bridgette has been an integral part of the Gold Cross team since 2018, bringing with her a strong background in emergency medical services (EMS) and a dedication to excellence in patient care. Starting as a paramedic, Bridgette has continuously demonstrated her commitment to advancing her skills and knowledge within the field. In 2020, Bridgette achieved her critical care endorsement. Throughout her time at Gold Cross, Bridgette has held various roles that have allowed her to grow both professionally and personally, including field paramedic, field training officer and most recently the Fox Valley Supervisor.

Dr. Nicholas Bope

Job Titles:
  • Medical Director
  • Member of the Gold Cross Team
  • Certified Emergency Physician
Dr. Nicholas Bope is a board-certified Emergency Physician with eight years of clinical experience in Emergency Medicine. He currently practices at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah, Wisconsin. He holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine at Western Michigan University School of Medicine. His professional interests include protocol development, quality care oversight, and medical education, with a focus on optimizing patient outcomes and supporting frontline medical teams.

Heather Cavanaugh

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Gold Cross Team
  • Quality and Compliance Manager
Heather comes to Gold Cross with more than 10 years of nursing experience in both emergency and in-hospital settings. Most recently Heather served as the structural heart coordinator for ThedaCare. She has a drive and passion for creating processes that improve the quality of care across the continuum of healthcare in the Fox Valley.

Heather Stenbroten

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Director
  • Member of the Gold Cross Team
Heather has been with Gold Cross since 2019. She brings her years of experience as an ER RN and STEMI Coordinator with ThedaCare. Heather's expertise includes quality assurance, billing/HIPPA compliance, process improvement, and accreditation. Heather was recently promoted to the role of Quality and Compliance Director in October of 2020.

John Kuehl

Job Titles:
  • Logistics Manager
  • Member of the Gold Cross Team
John has served at Gold Cross since 1987, having previously worked as a paramedic and dispatcher. He oversees the scheduling and payroll at Gold Cross Ambulance, as well as the supply department. John works hard each day to ensure our paramedics have the best equipment and stations.

Katie Halbach

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Gold Cross Team
  • Operations Manager - Human Resources
Katie is an experienced paramedic who began her career at Gold Cross Ambulance in September 2011, having previously gained valuable experience at Waupaca Area Ambulance. Throughout her tenure at Gold Cross, Katie has taken on various roles including assistant supervisor, supervisor, scheduler/payroll coordinator, and has been consistently involved as a field training officer and EMR liaison. She has also been actively engaged in managing special events within the community. Katie's dedication to the field of EMS is evident through her passion for ensuring the highest level of care for patients and her commitment to collaborating with community partners involved in emergency medical services.

Mark Westfall

Job Titles:
  • Medical Director
  • Member of the Gold Cross Team
  • Medical Director at Gold Cross Ambulance
Dr. Westfall has been the medical director at Gold Cross Ambulance for more than 20 years. He is a board-certified emergency physician practicing at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah. Dr. Westfall is involved in protocol development, quality care oversight, and education.

Nick Romenesko

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director
  • Member of the Gold Cross Team
Nick has been at the Gold Cross since 2012. He has experience as a field paramedic, field training officer, dispatcher, and clinical and quality manager. He recently completed a six-year tenure as the organization's Operations Director. Nick holds a bachelor's degree in Organizational Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He currently serves as the Vice-President of the Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin and on the Wisconsin EMS Office Subcommittee on System Management and Development.

Zach Mears

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Gold Cross Team
  • Operations Manager - System Performance
Zach joined Gold Cross in April 2021 and has served in a variety of roles, including Field Training Officer, EMR Liaison, and instructor for the Paramedic/EMT program. He has played a key role in enhancing the Field Training Program and is continually seeking opportunities within the organization to grow both professionally and personally. This growth has allowed him to become a valuable clinical and operational resource for field staff. Zach is also recognized for his strong collaboration with community partners, which supports his commitment to delivering high-quality care to the community.