Joseph is a North Carolina native who has been active in enhancing emergency medical care for the past 51 years. As a proven leader and innovative problem-solver, Joseph has used his relationships with providers, physicians, and regulators to challenge conventional ways and ask, “Why not?”
Joseph possesses unique talents for integrating information, educational objectives, and data services to help frame the needs and trends within the NC Emergency Medical Services system. Joseph is the Executive Director of the Wake EMS Foundation, Inc. A 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on historical, educational, and research objectives of the Wake EMS System. He manages the foundation functions and coordinates with the Board of Directors.
Joseph is the co-founder and executive director of the North Carolina EMS Regional Blood Coalition (www.ncemsrbc.org). The coalition advocates and educates on the expanded use of blood and products by paramedics.
Chief Zalkin is the Project Lead for the NC Consortium Against Responder Violence (CARVNC). The State of NC, using a grant from The Duke Endowment, has established awareness and reporting of violent events and best practices, and identified further research and resources to reduce these events.
Joseph is a 1981 graduate of the nation’s first EMS baccalaureate program at Western Carolina University. Joseph holds a certificate from UNC’s School of Government in County and Municipal Administration and is an adjunct clinical instructor for the UNC School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, EMS Fellowship Program.
Joseph has attained the designation of Fellow in the Academy of Emergency Medical Services (FAEMS) by the National Association of EMS Physicians.
In December 2024,
Joseph was awarded the NC Order of the Longleaf Pine, one of the top state honorary awards, by Governor Roy Cooper, for exceptional service, contributions to the community, and dedication to their career.
Notable accomplishments:
Past President of the North Carolina Association of Paramedics
Co-Investigator NC Consortium Against Responder Violence Project
National Disaster Medical System Patient Reception Area Commander RDU - Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
Community Representative Wake County EMS Peer Review Committee
Co-Founder NC EMS Regional Blood Coalition
Advisor Wake Technical and Community College EMS Advisory Board
NC Ambulance Strike team/Medical Taskforce Program founder
NC Ambulance Bus Consortium founder