Our Board of Directors
Bender Safety & Training Corporation is guided by a passionate and dedicated Board of Directors, with each member bringing diverse experience in areas such as emergency services, community outreach, public health, business, technology, and nonprofit leadership. Together, the Board provides strategic oversight, supports the organization’s mission, and helps ensure continued transparency, accessibility, accountability, and service to the communities we serve.
Each member of the Board of Directors may be contacted individually using the email address listed under their name. To contact the entire Board, please email directors@bendersafetytraining.org.
Tyler Bender – President
Founder, Paramedic, EMS Instructor
tbender@bendersafetytraining.org
Tyler Bender’s journey into emergency services began long before earning his first uniform. Born in Arizona and placed in foster care due to early family struggles, he was adopted at age eight and raised on a small farm in rural Pennsylvania. Through 4-H, FFA, and a tight-knit community, he learned the value of service and resilience. His path to EMS was sparked by a life-changing moment: watching paramedics attempt to save a child in cardiac arrest at a local fair. From that moment, Tyler knew his purpose was to help others during their most critical moments. Though his first attempt at an EMT program didn’t go as planned, Tyler’s determination led him to return stronger, later earning his National Registry Paramedic certification. Over the years, he’s worked through the COVID-19 pandemic, taught countless classes, and overcame personal medical challenges, including a seizure disorder and a serious car accident that required months of rehabilitation.
Tyler became an American Red Cross CPR instructor in 2019 and a Pennsylvania EMS Instructor in 2022. He now holds multiple instructor credentials, including:
- CPR/AED (AHA & ARC)
- ACLS & PALS (AHA)
- Babysitting Certification (Red Cross)
- Pennsylvania EMS Continuing Education
Driven by a passion for access and equity in EMS education, Tyler founded Bender Safety & Training Corporation, a nonprofit committed to removing barriers to lifesaving training. The organization provides CPR, first aid, babysitting courses, and scholarships for aspiring EMS professionals. Tyler is very thankful for his friends, family, and coworkers who have supported him along the way.
Tyler’s mission is simple but powerful:
“Everyone can save a life. Because when seconds count, training makes the difference.”
Jamie “ Grandma J” Gillen – Vice President
Emergency Medical Technician, Training Advocate, Compliance & Leadership
directors@bendersafetytraining.org
Jamie Gillen brings decades of experience in healthcare administration, nonprofit finance, and public safety to her role as Vice President of Bender Safety & Training Corporation. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Cameron County Ambulance and is an active EMT with St. Mary’s Ambulance. In addition to her leadership roles, Jamie is a certified American Heart Association and BLS instructor, passionately committed to empowering future responders with the skills and confidence to save lives.
With a strong background in nonprofit operations, Jamie offers expertise in budgeting, billing, fundraising, and organizational management, all of which are vital to the growth and sustainability of Bender Safety & Training. Known to many in the community as “Grandma J,” her warmth, wisdom, and mentorship make her a beloved figure across generations.
Jamie's personal mission is to help build Bender Safety & Training into a great and impactful organization — one that changes lives through education, preparedness, and community connection.
When she’s not serving her community or teaching, Jamie loves cheering on her grandchildren at sporting events and helping shape the future of EMS.
Keegan Bender – Treasurer
LPN, Public Safety & Health, Research
krowland@bendersafetytraining.org
Keegan Bender is a Licensed Practical Nurse with a strong background in internal medicine and infectious disease, currently working with TruCare. His clinical experience includes podiatry, wound care, and the management of hepatitis B and C. Passionate about improving access to quality education in healthcare, Keegan was inspired to join the board after recognizing the widespread lack of training availability in many clinical settings.
As Treasurer of Bender Safety & Training Corporation, Keegan brings expertise in healthcare, public safety, and nonprofit development. He is dedicated to expanding training opportunities for healthcare workers and the broader community. Keegan also enjoys contributing to fundraising and research efforts that support public health initiatives.
With a sharp financial mind and a commitment to community impact, Keegan is proud to support the organization’s mission to deliver accessible and lifesaving education across Central Pennsylvania.
Jaclyn “Jackie” Zuback - Member At-Large (Office Administrator)
Medical Assistant, Former Emergency Medical Technician & 911 Telecommunicator
jzuback@bendersafetytraining.org
Jackie Zuback brings a wealth of experience in healthcare, emergency services, and community outreach to her role as Member At-Large on the Bender Safety & Training Corporation Board of Directors. Jackie currently serves as a dedicated Medical Assistant with Keystone Rural Health, where she continues her lifelong commitment to helping others.
Prior to her current role, Jackie worked as a 911 dispatcher for 17 years and also served as an EMT—experiences that honed her ability to thrive under pressure and keep operations running smoothly in high-stress environments. Her firsthand understanding of public safety makes her a valued asset to our mission.
Outside of work, Jackie is a proud mother of two, both of whom she supports as they pursue college and careers. She is passionate about giving back to her community, loves helping plan events, and is excited to contribute her skills and energy as a board member of our growing nonprofit.
Jacqueline “Jackie” Solic – Secretary
Former Emergency Medical Technician, 911 Telecommunicator, & Emergency Management Coordinator
directors@bendersafetytraining.org
Jackie brings a wealth of experience to Bender Safety & Training Corporation as a former Emergency Medical Technician, 911 Telecommunicator, and Emergency Management Coordinator. Her background in emergency services and training, combined with a deep knowledge of organizational structure, records management, and grant writing, makes her an invaluable asset to our mission.
She currently serves as the Board Secretary, where her attention to detail and commitment to public safety help keep our programs running smoothly.
Outside of the nonprofit world, Jackie is a dedicated wife and mother of two energetic young boys. Her entire family regularly donates time and energy to support our work, making the Solic household a true extension of our mission.
Jackie is also a certified instructor in multiple training disciplines, and she's passionate about giving back to the community through education.
If you visit her home, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a peaceful jungle—lush with plants, warmth, and love—even if it’s occasionally interrupted by the chaos of kids and a funny husband running wild. Jackie brings both laughter and heart to everything she does, and we're so lucky to have her on our team.
Edward “Ed” Myers - Member At-Large
Firefighter & Training Advocate
emyers@bendersafetytraining.org
Edward “Ed” Myers serves as a voting member of the Bender Safety & Training Corporation Board of Directors. Ed brings extensive experience in the fire service and a strong understanding of the needs of emergency responders and the communities they serve.
As an active firefighter with his local fire department, Ed has developed years of practical knowledge in fire service operations, emergency response, teamwork, and public safety. His experience provides an important perspective to the Board as Bender Safety & Training continues to expand educational opportunities for EMS professionals, firefighters, healthcare providers, and members of the community.
Outside of his public safety involvement, Ed works in the local manufacturing industry and remains strongly connected to the community. He is also known for being an excellent cook and enjoys camping, spending time outdoors, and, most importantly, spending time with his family.
Ed’s practical experience, community involvement, and dedication to helping others make him a valuable member of the Bender Safety & Training Board of Directors.
Luke Gutowski - Member At-Large
Former EMSVO, Community & Training Advocate
directors@bendersafetytraining.org
Luke Gutowski serves as a voting member of the Bender Safety & Training Corporation Board of Directors. Luke brings a strong interest in public service, emergency response, and community involvement to the organization.
Luke is a former Emergency Medical Services Vehicle Operator (EMSVO) and comes from a family with strong ties to the local fire service. His background has given him firsthand exposure to the importance of emergency services, teamwork, and serving the community.
As one of the younger members of the Board, Luke brings fresh ideas, a willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in helping Bender Safety & Training continue to grow. He enjoys learning alongside our students and brings a perspective that helps keep the organization connected to the next generation of emergency responders and community members.
Outside of his involvement with Bender Safety & Training, Luke works in the local manufacturing industry. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and seeking out a little adventure, especially riding off-road vehicles.
Luke’s enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to helping others make him a valuable part of the Bender Safety & Training Board of Directors.
Jarin Lovenduski - Member At-Large
Information Technology, Management & Community Advocate
directors@bendersafetytraining.org
Jarin Lovenduski serves as a voting member of the Bender Safety & Training Corporation Board of Directors. Jarin brings a broad range of experience to the organization, including knowledge in information technology, management, business operations, and property management.
In addition to his professional experience, Jarin manages more than 25 rental properties, giving him firsthand experience with organization, problem-solving, planning, and the day-to-day responsibilities that come with managing multiple operations. He brings that practical mindset to the Board and is always willing to offer new ideas and different perspectives as Bender Safety & Training continues to grow.
A native of the area, Jarin has strong connections throughout the local community and understands the people and communities Bender Safety & Training serves. His local knowledge and relationships are valuable as the organization continues building partnerships and expanding educational opportunities throughout the region.
Jarin rarely seems to slow down. In his free time, he enjoys Muay Thai, being outdoors, staying active, and taking on his next adventure. His drive, diverse experience, community connections, and ability to look at challenges from different angles make him a valuable member of the Bender Safety & Training Board of Directors.
Our Board is committed to making lifesaving education available to everyone, and to building stronger, more prepared communities across Pennsylvania and beyond.
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