Chief, Maribeth Novsak

Maribeth is the Chief of Rowan EMS. Maribeth was a student member of the squad from 2017-2021. She graduated from Rowan University in May 2021 with a B.A. in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. Maribeth anticipates completing her M.S. in Emergency and Threat Response Managememnt in the spring of 2026. Maribeth also still currently serves Cape May County as an EMT and enjoys the unique challenges that come with working in a shore town. In her free time Maribeth enjoys cooking and baking as well as spending time with her dog, Stryker. 

Assistant Chief, Spencer Eckstein

Spencer is the Assistant Chief of Rowan EMS. Spencer graduated from Rutgers University-New Brunswick in 2021 with a degree in Human Resources and graduate school from University of Central Florida in 2022 with a degree in Healthcare Administration. Spencer has been an EMT since 2017, working in suburban and most recently urban settings in Camden and Trenton. Spencer plans on going back to school to earn a degree in nursing or emergency management. Outside of work, Spencer enjoys bowling and going down the shore with friends, family and his dog, Gus. 

 Samantha Smith

Samantha Smith is a Part-Time EMT at Rowan EMS. She primarily serves as a non-emergent tranport driver and also serves as an AED maintanence technician. Sam has been an EMT since 2023 and has also served on the squad previously as an Undergraduate student.

McKenna Blair

McKenna is in the process of receiving her B.S. in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry and a certificate of undergraduate studies in forensics come Spring of 2026. Prior to this position, McKenna had served as the Sergeant Secretary for a term and a half as well as serving as Captain for a term prior. Outside of Rowan EMS, she works with the Township of Hamilton Rescue Squad in Atlantic County and National Event Services based in Camden County as an EMT. In the future, McKenna is pursuing a career in forensic science as a death investigator.

Shana Justice

Shana Justice is a Student Worker EMT. She primarily serves as a non-Emergent transport driver and an AED maintanence technician. She is currently studying Public Health and Wellness with an anticipated graduation year of 2026.

Lt. Frank Agosta, Advisor

Frank Agosta is one of the three Advisors for Rowan University EMS.  After receiving his B.A. in Law and Justice from Rowan University he began working for the Rowan University Police Department and is currently a Patrol Lieutenant.  With his EMS background and his time spent serving on Rowan University EMS during his time as an undergraduate student, he became an Advisor for EMS in 2012.  As advisor, Frank is responsible for ensuring the members maintain a healthy balance between being a student and an active member of Rowan EMS.  Along with this, he also assists the executive members with their transition from a general member into a supervisory role.

Dr. Joe Lizza, Advisor 

Dr Joe Lizza is the Senior Director of Student Centers & Campus Activities, where he oversees the strategic leadership and operations of a comprehensive department supporting student engagement and the university’s mission. He also teaches as an adjunct in Rowan’s College of Education and University College.

Dr. Lizza has extensive leadership experience in higher education and student affairs, including serving on executive teams and as Chair of NASPA’s Campus Safety & Violence Prevention Knowledge Community. He currently chairs the Atlantic County Mental Health Advisory Board and serves as a Community Leader for ACUI’s Emergency Management Community.

A certified firefighter, EMT, fire instructor, officer, and inspector, Dr. Lizza is also a Disaster Response Crisis Counselor with both public and private emergency management experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Education, History, and Political Science from Monmouth University and earned his master’s and doctorate in Educational Leadership from Rowan University.

Jeff Dever, Advisor 

Jeff Dever is an experienced Public Safety and Emergency Management Professional with over fifteen years of experience in the field. Jeff started as a volunteer firefighter in Moorestown, NJ in 2010, before starting at Rowan University in 2013. At Rowan, Jeff was a Sergeant for Rowan University EMS and worked as an EMT in Gloucester County, Pennsauken, and the City of Camden.

In 2017, Jeff had the distinction of becoming the first BA graduate of Rowan's Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management Program and started his emergency management career at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Region III Disaster Team. During his time at FEMA, Jeff deployed to support federal response and recovery operations for various disasters.

In 2019, Jeff became a Captain/Emergency Preparedness Specialist for the Wake County Department of Fire Services in Raleigh, North Carolina. In addition, Jeff served as a part-time Firefighter/EMT for the Swift Creek Fire Department in Cary, North Carolina. During his time in North Carolina, Jeff received a Master's Degree in Emergency Management from Millersville University of Pennsylvania.

Currently, Jeff is the Director of Emergency Preparedness for Temple University Health System. He is also an adjunct professor with Rowan University’s Disaster Science and Emergency Management Program and a part time EMT with Gloucester County EMS. He resides in Pitman, NJ.