Today, Transylvania County Manager Jaime Laughter announced that Kimberly “Kim” Bailey has been selected as the Emergency Medical Services Director. Kim has been serving as the Interim Emergency Medical Services Director since the previous director resigned in November of 2018. Kim has served Transylvania County for 20 years within the Emergency Medical Services department, serving in the roles of Paramedic, Shift Supervisor and Training Officer.
Kim is a native of Transylvania County. She graduated from Brevard High School and went on to get her bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
Through the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services, Kim serves on the Education Committee for Responder Mental Health. First responder mental health awareness and suicide prevention is an area of passion for Kim.
County Manager Jaime Laughter said, “Transylvania County is committed to hiring the most qualified professional candidates to serve our citizens. We are thrilled that the candidate to lead our EMS Department was already working with us with a known track record of in-depth technical knowledge and steady leadership.” Kim’s direct supervisor David McNeill, Assistant County Manager added, “I am confident that Kim Bailey is the best person to lead Transylvania County in a positive direction. During her tenure as Interim EMS Director, Kim has demonstrated a thorough knowledge of EMS laws, rules and regulations that impact the provision of pre-hospital care in North Carolina. She has proven herself to be professional, courteous and supportive to citizens, partner agencies, staff and county administration.”
When asked her thoughts about stepping up into the Director position, Kim said “As a Transylvania County EMS employee of 20 years, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Director. Transylvania County is forever my home, and I humbled to be able to continue serving my community in this capacity. Transylvania County has a strong and devoted system of emergency services responders. I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such dedicated and compassionate personnel. I am very thankful for the EMS staff members and their passion to provide quality care to our residents and visitors. It is my desire to see the working relationships between the emergency services agencies continue to strengthen. In addition, I look forward to continuing to build stronger working relationships with other county departments and partners. I am excited to serve this county in my newly appointed role.”
Kim and her husband John have three children - Gracie, Nicholas and Nathaneal. Her parents Glenn and Betty Robinson live in Transylvania County. Their family attends Enon Baptist Church. Outside of work Kim loves spending time with her family which includes a significant amount of time at her children’s sporting events, traveling and camping.
Bailey will begin her role immediately.