Paramedic Leadership

Senior Command Staff

Gary Bryskiewicz, Chief

Chief Bryskiewicz has been with Denver Health Paramedics since 1998 and in EMS since 1991. Prior to his career in EMS, Gary proudly served 8 years in the United States Air Force. He is a graduate of Regis University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing/Communications, and a Master of Business Administration. He is a faculty member of the Denver Health Lean Academy and a fellowship candidate of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Chief Bryskiewicz has been in his current position since 2016.

Brent Stevenson, Deputy Chief

Deputy Chief Stevenson has been with Denver Health Paramedics since 2007 and in EMS since 1993. Brent is a graduate from University of Colorado, Boulder with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and a minor in Political Science. Chief Stevenson has been a member of the command staff since 2010 and in his current role since 2021.

Julie Arellano, Assistant Chief, DEN EMS Operations

Assistant Chief Julie Arellano has been with Denver Health Paramedics since 2006. She is currently finishing her degree in Health Care Management from Metropolitan State University of Denver. Chief Arellano has been with the command staff since 2016 and in her current role since 2021.

Justin Harper, Assistant Chief, Training and Education

Assistant Chief Harper has been with Denver Health Paramedics since 2000 and in EMS since 1995. Justin is a graduate from Metropolitan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Professional Services. He is a Denver native and a graduate of Denver Public Schools. Chief Harper has been in his current position since 2014.

James “Jamie” Woodworth, Assistant Chief, EMS Operations

Originally from Massachusetts, Assistant Chief Woodworth moved to Colorado in 1992 after serving 4 years active duty in the United States Marine Corps. He became an EMT in 1994 and Paramedic in 2000. After working in the EMS systems of Garfield and Summit County for the past 25 years, Jamie joined the Division in his current role at the beginning of 2023. Chief Woodworth is a graduate of Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Organizational Leadership.

Medical Direction Team

Jacob Nacht, MD

As medical director for the Denver Health Paramedics, Dr. Nacht is responsible for strategy-setting and oversight for Denver Health’s EMS services across all clinical, educational, and scholastic mission areas. This position works collaboratively with the EMS Medical Director for the Department of Safety at the City and County of Denver. Dr. Nacht also serves as a core member on the Department of Emergency Medicine’s leadership team, supporting all clinical and academic missions for the department. Dr. Nacht was born and raised in Colorado Springs. He attended Medical School at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, followed by Emergency Medicine Residency at Denver Health. He completed an Emergency Medical Services Fellowship at Denver Health and is double board certified in Emergency Medicine and EMS. He’ s been at Denver Health Since 2014.