Amera Gilchrist confirmed as Pittsburgh's EMS chief, becomes 1st Black woman to hold role

Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday confirmed Amera Gilchrist’s appointment as the city’s next EMS chief.

Mayor Ed Gainey last week announced his nomination of Gilchrist, who is the first Black woman to serve in the role.

Gilchrist, 49, has served on the city’s Bureau of EMS for nearly 24 years and assumed the position of acting chief when former EMS Chief Ronald Romano retired. After 45 years of service, Romano’s last day in uniform was March 31.

Gilchrist became the first woman and minority to become a deputy chief within the bureau in 2019.

She was born and raised on Pittsburgh’s North side and graduated from Pittsburgh Public Schools and Robert Morris University. She is continuing her studies at Point Park University.

In a news conference announcing her nomination last week, Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt applauded Gilchrist’s leadership, advocacy for EMS staff and readiness to serve the city’s residents every day. Schmidt pointed out that Gilchrist responded to a stabbing in the city’s Observatory Hill neighborhood earlier this month while off-duty.

Gilchrist said she hoped to leave the bureau “better than it is now” and is planning a “restructuring to meet the modern-day needs of EMS.”

She will make about $137,000 a year.

Council unanimously approved her appointment Tuesday. Councilwoman Deb Gross, D-Highland Park, was not present for the vote.

Council President Theresa Kail-Smith, D-West End, said she was comfortable voting to confirm Gilchrist’s appointment without first holding an interview because council had worked with Gilchrist in the past and she felt Gilchrist was a good fit for the position.

Related:

• Amera Gilchrist nominated to be Pittsburgh's next EMS chief

• Outgoing Pittsburgh EMS chief reflects on 45-year tenure with city

• Pittsburgh swears in first woman, minority to EMS Deputy Chief rank