Public Administration, MBA Alumnus Gregory Porter Named Executive Director of Ross/West View EMSA

Meet Gregory Porter '13 '20

Job Title & Employer: Executive Director, Ross/West View Emergency Medical Services Authority
Major/Program: Public Administration-Fire Service Administration-B.S.
Minor: Public Administration - EMS Administration
Hometown: Etna, Pa.; Shaler Area High School
Now Living In: Etna, Pa.
Hobbies & Interests: Spending time with family, boating, going to the beach and any outdoor activity

"Point Park's urban campus setting is beautiful and full of opportunity. The classes are affordable and a great value. The online learning platforms are easy to use and follow. The professors are dedicated to seeing you succeed. The information provided through the public administration and MBA programs will prepare you for a long, prosperous career in public safety, municipal management and even business management."

Gregory Porter '13 '20

Describe your new role with Ross/West View EMSA.

I have been working at Ross/West View EMSA for 26 years now. I know the organization inside and out, but this new position brings new and exciting challenges for me. As executive director, my responsibilities include strategic planning, budgeting, benchmarking success and, most importantly, supporting my team to be the best that they can be.

After completing Point Park's Public Administration program, why did you decide to enroll in the MBA program?

I investigated a variety of programs that I thought would align with my goals. I met with faculty and staff from the Rowland School of Business, asked questions and thoroughly reviewed the program. At the end of the day, I believed my money would be best spent at Point Park, and I was right. The program suited my needs well. I was comfortable with the campus and online learning platform. I had a wonderful experience through the public administration program, and I didn’t feel like moving away from that was good for me. I was challenged and stimulated by both programs.

How did each of these programs prepare you for this new role?

In the public administration program, we focused on a variety of topics related to successful leadership in emergency services. My training at Point Park prepared me well as I stepped into my previous role as the Ross/West View EMSA assistant director, managing most of the operations for the organization. Coming back for my MBA really helped me focus on the business management and administration side of our organization. The MBA centered on managing a successful business. Both were incredibly important to me in my previous responsibilities and now even more so as executive director.

In what other ways do you contribute to your community?

Currently, I serve on Etna Borough Council, and I am the chief of the Etna Volunteer Fire Department. I am also the chief of the North Hills Technical Rescue Team and the rescue manager for Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue. I am chairman for the Allegheny County EMS Council and board president for EMS West, which oversees the contract from the Pennsylvania Department of Health specific to EMS issues. While this level of involvement may seem crazy, much of my work crosses over from organization to organization and helps me be better each and every day.

What did you like about Point Park's faculty and coursework?

I enjoyed all of my time at Point Park due in large part to my cohort and instructors in the public administration program. We motivated and entertained each other and shared in thought-provoking discussions. Our class met early and often stayed late because we enjoyed debating issues and learning from one another. Our cohort still meets to this day at least once a month. The coursework was valuable and educational, but the friendships I made in this portion of my higher education years were priceless. My MBA was also a fulfilling experience, and even though our classes were online due to the pandemic, I gained a great deal of knowledge.

Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?

Point Park's urban campus setting is beautiful and full of opportunity. The classes are affordable and a great value. The online learning platforms are easy to use and follow. The professors are dedicated to seeing you succeed. The information provided through the public administration and MBA programs will prepare you for a long, prosperous career in public safety, municipal management and even business management.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The City of Pittsburgh and its many neighborhoods are wonderful places to live and work. Point Park is a excellent place to come and learn while enjoying this great city. Two thoughts from my experiences I would share. One, you will get out of it what you put into it. Make it the best experience you possibly can. Two, knowledge and skills aside, your abilities to talk to people, remain optimistic and build relationships are critical to your success. Treat everybody with respect and dignity and you will do well in life.

Public Administration, MBA Alumnus Gregory Porter Named Executive Director of Ross/West View EMSA Alumni Profile