Local - 20
Executive Board
The Executive Board of IAEP Local 20 stands united in our unwavering commitment to the members we proudly represent across New York and Connecticut. We are frontline advocates for EMTs, Paramedics, and public safety professionals who serve our communities every day. Our positions are not titles — they are responsibilities — and we answer directly to the membership. We fight to protect your rights, defend your contracts, demand accountability from management, and strengthen the working conditions and benefits our members deserve. Every decision we make is guided by one principle: the Executive Board works for the members. Through solidarity, transparency, and strength in unity, we will continue to advance, protect, and empower Local 20 now and into the future.
President of Local 20
Jennifer McSorley, EMT-P
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Jennifer brings 29 years of dedicated experience in Emergency Medical Services, earning her EMT certification in 1995 through Putnam County’s EMT Program and advancing to paramedic certification at Dutchess Community College in 2000. Throughout her career, she has balanced the demands of frontline EMS work while raising two sons — both of whom proudly serve as First Responders. Jennifer has long been committed to professional development, maintaining her role as a paramedic preceptor for DCC and WCC and serving as a Field Training Officer for both EMTs and paramedics. Since joining Empress following the EMStar acquisition, she has been an active and engaged Shop Steward, consistently standing up for her coworkers. As President of the North Division, Jennifer is committed to being a strong, direct voice for the membership, advocating fiercely for fairness, accountability, and the rights of every member as Empress continues to expand.
Vice President of the South Bronx, Westchester, and Rockland
Nicolas Irizarry, EMT
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Nicolas is a dedicated EMS professional with six years of experience in the field. He obtained his EMT license from Mount Sinai through the first breakout EMT program at LIU Brooklyn. Nicolas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science/Sports Medicine, with a minor in Strength and Conditioning, bringing a strong clinical and performance-based foundation to his work in emergency medical services.
Throughout his EMS career, Nicolas has served in multiple roles, including Field Training Officer (FTO), Dispatcher, Support Services, and EMT in Yonkers. His experience spans various systems, ranging from 911 response to critical care transports. He is currently credentialed within the Montefiore Division in the Bronx, operating under the Fire Department of New York.
Before joining the Executive Board in September 2025, Nicolas served as a Shop Steward and Union Representative, where he built a strong reputation for advocating on behalf of members. Since joining Empress, he has been a key advocate within the South Division—actively listening to employees, defending members against unfair or excessive discipline, demonstrating a strong working knowledge of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and consistently representing the membership in a professional and positive manner.
As Empress continues to grow, Nicolas remains committed to serving the membership as Vice President of the South Division—both on and off the road. He is known for being approachable, relatable, and understanding, while bringing high enthusiasm and resilient energy to everything he does.
Vice President of the North Dutchess, Columbia, Ulster, and Connecticut
Ted Marchionne, EMT-P
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Over the past three decades, Ted has dedicated his career to Emergency Medical Services, serving in a wide range of roles and practice settings. He began his EMS journey in 1990 as an EMT, volunteering in Columbia County. In 1997, he earned his Paramedic certification and launched his professional career with Mobile Life Support Services.
During his time at Mobile Life, Ted served in multiple capacities including Paramedic, Flight Paramedic, Certified Instructor Coordinator, and Field Supervisor. His extensive operational, supervisory, and educational experience reflects both leadership and a commitment to clinical excellence.
Currently, Ted serves as a Paramedic and Field Training Officer with Empress EMS. He primarily works in Dutchess County, with a strong presence in the Wappingers and Poughkeepsie areas, where he continues to mentor providers and deliver high-quality patient care.
Outside of EMS, Ted is an avid outdoorsman and boater who enjoys spending his free time on the water and in nature. He is also a dedicated father and proud dog owner, sharing his time with his daughter and his three German Shorthaired Pointers.
Vice President of the West Orange and Sullivan
Tyler VanBuren, EMT
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I began my EMS career in 2014 when I joined my local fire department. After eight months of training, I earned my EMT certification in June 2015. In July 2015, I left for Army Basic Training and went on to complete my training as a Combat Medic in February 2016.
That same month, I was hired by Mobile Life Support Services (MLSS), where I began my professional EMS career. In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I deployed to Iraq with a medical company. During my deployment, I assisted our pharmacy technician with the rollout and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Upon returning home, I continued working with MLSS until the company was acquired by Empress EMS. Shortly thereafter, I became more involved in supporting my colleagues and was elected as a Shop Steward in September 2025. In this role, as Vice President, I am committed to advocating for and assisting my fellow employees.
I am currently in the process of applying to the Army’s Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) as I continue to advance my education and career in medicine.
Treasurer of Local 20
Shonna Falcone, EMT-P
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I have been in EMS for thirty years and have served as a paramedic for twenty-six of those years. I joined the Empress family through the acquisition of Emstar. In addition to my medical background, I have experience in accounting and continue to work in that field part-time.
I am a hard-working individual who gives 100% to every commitment. I strive to be open, honest, and fair in all my endeavors. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your treasurer.
Secretary of Local 20
Sam Snyder, EMT
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Sam has been an EMT since 2011, getting her education and EMT certification right out of High School at the Ulster County BOCES. Since obtaining her certifications, she has had a diversity of experience working as an EMT, CPR instructor, Field Training Officer and Transportation Coordinator at Mobile Life Support Services Inc. Outside of Mobile Life, Sam also did some per diem work as an EMT at agencies such as CareOne and Paradox. She has since continued most of those roles here at Empress since the merger with Mobile Life. Sam is also dedicated to community service. Over the years, she has been a dedicated volunteer for Shawangunk Valley Fire Department, New Paltz Rescue Squad, Pleasant Valley Fire District, and has most recently become a member of the East Fishkill Fire District’s Rescue Squad.
Outside of the ambulance, Sam has worked as a Public Safety Dispatcher with both the New Paltz Police Department and Dutchess County Emergency Response — a role that sharpened her ability to stay organized, focused, and clear in high-pressure situations. Since 2016, she has also been an Emergency Room Technician at the Vassar Brothers Medical Center Emergency Department, where she continues to work per diem.
After listening to concerns from her peers and trying to give guidance to the best of her ability, Sam made the decision to be more involved in our Local and became a Shop Steward. Since then, she has been a very strong advocate for her brothers and sisters in this union and has fought for opportunity and for the membership to feel heard.
While Sam dedicates the majority of her time and energy to helping others, in her off time, she has a passion for adventure. She often travels whenever she can, loves being active outdoors (provided she has her SPF 100+), and thoroughly enjoys live music. On low-key days, Sam can be found reading a book and cuddling with her two rescued cats.
When asked by the executive board to serve as the Interim Secretary for the local, Sam jumped at the opportunity. In her short time serving as your Secretary so far, Sam has made an effort to ensure every member feels like their thoughts, opinions, and concerns are taken seriously. Sam strives to be a reliable point of connection between the executive board and the rest of our membership.
Chief Shop Steward of Local 20
G. Jenny Velez, EMT
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Bio Coming Soon...