Florida
Intercoastal Reprocessing
Educators
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Mission Statement:
At FIRE, we are dedicated to empowering central sterile personnel through the unparalleled gift of education. Our commitment is to foster integrity at the highest level—ensuring that every action taken by this chapter and all affiliated reflects excellence. Through hard work, unwavering dedication, and steadfast determination, we aim to set the standard for this career, proving that knowledge and perseverance pave the way to success.
Meet The Team
Brian M. Reynolds
Brian M. Reynolds has been keeping the medical world spotless since 1991. Currently the Assistant Chief of the Sterile Processing Service at the VA Health Care System, he’s made it his mission to ensure surgical instruments are cleaner than your grandma’s fine china.
Having worked across Florida and Alabama, Brian has tackled roles like Sterile Processing Technician, CPD Manager, and Materials Management, proving that if there’s a germ nearby, it’s in trouble. He co-founded an HSPA chapter in Florida, which naturally expanded to Alabama, because when Brian does something, he does it big.
A board member of FIRE (Florida Intercoastal Reprocessing Educators), Brian is passionate about education and mentorship. His goal? Helping the next generation excel in sterile processing while making sure patients leave healthier than when they arrived—armed with instruments that are cleaner than an astronaut’s toothbrush.
James Jones Sr.
James Jones Sr. is more than a leader in sterile processing—he is a living testament to dedication, resilience, and mastery earned through decades of service. With 39 years in the field, his knowledge runs so deep it’s often described as Yoda level wisdom—minus the green skin, but with every ounce of insight, patience, and guidance that true mastery demands.
James didn’t arrive at leadership by title alone; he earned it through experience. From working as a Surgical Aide while in school, to serving as an OR First Assistant, to mastering the fundamentals
as a Sterile Processing Technician and ultimately rising into the role of Director of Sterile Processing, his journey reflects what’s possible when commitment meets perseverance. He truly started from the ground up—learning every role, every challenge, and every responsibility—proving that excellence is built, not given.
His influence extends well beyond any single department or facility. James has worked across the country, collaborating with industry leaders and actively helping shape the future of sterile processing. He is a current AAMI standards committee member, serving on six committees, four in the role of Primary Voter, directly contributing to the development and advancement of national standards that impact patient safety and healthcare outcomes nationwide.
In addition, James serves as Vice President of FIRE (Florida Intercoastal Reprocessing Educators), where his passion for education and mentorship shines. He is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of sterile processing professionals, understanding that the future of patient care depends on strong foundations, skilled hands, and knowledgeable mentors.
Even after nearly four decades, James Jones Sr. continues to lead with purpose, humility, and an unwavering commitment to progress. His legacy is not defined by titles or years served, but by the people he has trained, the standards he has helped elevate, and the countless patients whose lives have been protected by his work. Most inspiring of all his journey is far from over. He is still leading the charge, lighting the path forward for others to follow.
Freddy O. Gonzalez
If sterile processing had an Olympic team, Freddy O. Gonzalez would be winning gold. Since 2002, he’s been knee-deep in sterilization, making sure surgical instruments are cleaner than a germaphobe’s dream house. He’s worked his way through the ranks as Technician, Coordinator, Supervisor, Educator, and now, Manager at AdventHealth—because when it comes to keeping things spotless, Freddy doesn’t mess around.
Freddy isn’t just about cleanliness—he’s about spreading knowledge like hand sanitizer at flu season. Teaching and training are where he shines, ensuring that the next generation of sterile processing professionals don’t just know the rules—they write them.
In 2017, he joined the board of FIRE (Florida Intercoastal Reprocessing Educators) because, to Freddy, education isn’t a requirement—it’s a mission. He’s not here to just meet the standards—he’s here to raise them.
Samuel T. Brown
If sterile processing had an action hero, Samuel T. Brown would be leading the franchise. With over 30 years of experience, this U.S. Army Veteran went from serving his country to serving up spotless surgical instruments. After transitioning to the VA Healthcare System, he climbed the ranks to Service Chief at the VA Medical Center, proving that when it comes to sterilization, he’s the boss of the germs.
Certified in everything but rocket science (CRMST, CIS, CER, CHL, CRCST), Sam’s knowledge could probably sterilize a room just by walking into it. In 2017, he joined the board of FIRE (Florida Intercoastal Reprocessing Educators), because if sterile processing had a fan club, he’d be the president.
Whether he’s mentoring, leading, or making bacteria rethink their life choices, Sam isn’t just keeping things clean—he’s keeping the industry legendary.
Elizabeth Williams
Elizabeth Williams has been streamlining healthcare since 2012, diving into sterile processing in 2017 with the precision of a Vulcan and the dedication of a Jedi. As the Surgical Services Safety and Regulatory Compliance Auditor at AdventHealth Orlando, she ensures standards are met with stellar accuracy—mentoring, auditing, and crafting policies that keep operations running smoother than a starship at warp speed.
Armed with an MBA and certifications (CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL), Elizabeth brings deep expertise and a passion for excellence to every sterilized instrument and training session. Off duty, she’s a proud sci-fi superfan and pet parent to two lovable furballs, Daisy May and Mayo.
Whether in the OR or the outer rim, Elizabeth is the guardian of sterility and the master of compliance. May the force (and the sterilization cycle) be with her.
Jason A. Williams
Jason A. Williams knows sterile processing better than a football playbook—and he’s bringing that Roll Tide energy to the field. Since 2012, he’s been cleaning up the game, rising from Scope Tech to Lead Tech, and now Manager of the Sterile Processing Department at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, AL.
With a passion for mentorship and innovation, Jason doesn’t just follow the process—he runs it. As a board member of FIRE (Florida Intercoastal Reprocessing Educators) since 2017, he’s dedicated to teaching, developing, and inspiring the next generation.
In short? Jason isn’t just managing sterile processing—he’s shaping its future, one Roll Tide at a time!
Reggie Bailey
If sterile processing had a world tour, Reggie Bailey would be headlining it. Since 1989, he’s been scrubbing, leading, and leveling up across multiple states and hospitals, bouncing between Pennsylvania and Florida like a seasoned rock star on tour before settling in Florida for good in 2002.
Reggie’s career has been a masterclass in moving up, earning leadership roles at Orlando Regional and Winnie Palmer Hospital, where he didn’t just keep things clean—he kept them running smoothly.
In 2020, Reggie took a bold leap, stepping away from full-time hospital work to build his own business, helping individuals rewrite their success stories while still championing sterile processing education. As a board member of FIRE (Florida Intercoastal Reprocessing Educators), he continues to ensure that the next generation knows their way around an instrument tray.
In short? Reggie doesn’t just clean surgical tools—he builds futures, one perfectly sterilized success story at a time.
Arlene Bush
If sterile processing had a royal court, Arlene Bush would be sitting on the throne—golden crown and all. Since 1998, she’s been conquering the industry worldwide, ensuring that medical instruments are cleaner than a monk’s conscience.
A Subject Matter Expert with HSPA, Arlene holds enough certifications to make a resume jealous. As Chair of HSPA’s Nomination Committee (2019-2020), she made sure only the sharpest minds (and hopefully the cleanest scalpels) stepped up to lead.
Now serving as President of HSPA, Arlene doesn’t just set policies—she writes the rulebook. As Communication Director for FIRE (Florida Intercoastal Reprocessing Educators), she’s on a mission to spread knowledge like hand sanitizer in flu season, through articles, speeches, and a commitment to training future professionals.
In short? Arlene isn’t just shaping sterile processing—she’s ruling it with expertise, leadership, and just the right amount of sterilized sass.
Tami Heacock
Tami hasn't given us a bio yet but when she does..... WATCH OUT!!