Keynote Speakers

Jeff Barnhart, FACHE, NREMT

Jeff Barnhart is the Chief Executive Officer of Amarillo Medical Specialists, a 56-provider multi-specialty medical group serving patients across the Texas Panhandle and a five-state area. With over two decades of healthcare leadership experience, he has guided hospitals and medical practices through periods of growth and transformation, including nearly eight years as CEO of the Deaf Smith County Hospital District in Hereford, Texas. He also served in CEO roles at several other rural hospitals across the state.

A Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Certified Hospital Trustee Leader, Jeff also maintains active certification as a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician and continues to serve as a volunteer with the Lake Tanglewood Fire Department, where he and his wife reside. His commitment to rural healthcare extends beyond the organizations he leads—he has held board positions with the Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals, Texas Hospital Association, Texas Hospital Trustees, Coalition of Health Services, Panhandle Regional Advisory Council, and the Amarillo Turn Center. He also served two terms on the Governor’s EMS and Trauma Advisory Council (GETAC), appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to represent rural hospitals.

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Ottawa University and a Master of Science in Clinical Practice Management from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where he serves as an adjunct professor teaching emergency response and recovery in healthcare.

Shantelle Oliver

Shantelle Oliver brings over 25 years of dedicated experience in emergency communications,

having held key leadership roles in operations, training, and quality assurance within multijurisdictional 9-1-1 environments. She is a Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE), Maxwell

Certified Speaker, Trainer, Coach, and DISC Consultant, and has instructed numerous courses

that strengthen leadership, communication, and culture within high-stress organizations.

As the founder of ASO Leadership Solutions, Shantelle partners with agencies, businesses, and

professional associations nationwide to deliver transformative training programs and workshops.

A past Chapter Leader of Texas APCO and current group leader for APCO International, she

oversees multiple national committees that advance the association’s mission. Known for her

engaging and practical approach, Shantelle is passionate about equipping leaders to thrive in

complex, high-responsibility roles while fostering cultures of readiness, resilience, and respect.