For Greg Galfano, public service has never been just a career; it has been a calling. From EMS and public health to emergency management, national security and aviation, each chapter of his professional life has been guided by a desire to help others. Today, that commitment continues at Vanderbilt LifeFlight, where Greg has spent the past seven years working with a dedicated team supporting the transportation needs of patients throughout Vanderbilt Health. For Greg, it is a role that brings together two things he has always cared deeply about: serving his community and his lifelong passion for aviation.

Tell us a bit about your family.
Family is a big part of my life. I have two grown daughters and am a proud grandfather to one grandson, who is just over a year and a half old. They live in the Williamson County area, so spending time with family is something I treasure. 

I was born and raised in Michigan and moved to Nashville in 1977. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Administration, I moved to Franklin, Tennessee, where I would spend the next 39 years of my life. 

When I first arrived in Franklin, Williamson County had a population of barely 65,000 people. I vividly remember driving down Hillsboro Road and thinking that if I encountered another vehicle, there was a pretty good chance I knew who was driving! Those days have certainly changed, with Williamson County now home to approximately 274,000 residents. 

After living in Franklin for nearly four decades, I moved to Belle Meade in 2022. One of the things I have especially enjoyed is getting to know people throughout the community. 

My career has always centered around public service, particularly at the intersection of healthcare, emergency management and national security. I spent 19 years working within a large emergency medical services system, ultimately serving as its director and chief for six years. I then transitioned to state government, where I spent 16 years focused on public health emergency preparedness and emergency management. 

One of the most meaningful experiences of my career came during the devastating 2016 Gatlinburg wildfires. Working closely with Tennessee’s State executive leadership, I helped ensure that the medical needs of those affected were addressed. Early projections suggested that the fires could result in as many as 3,000 fatalities. Fortunately, that horrific prediction never came close to becoming reality. 

And then there is aviation. I have had a passion for aviation for as long as I can remember, so when the opportunity to work with Vanderbilt LifeFlight presented itself, I jumped at the chance. For the past seven years, I have had the privilege of working with an incredible team responsible for the ground transportation needs of patients throughout Vanderbilt Health. 

LifeFlight is more than 500 team members strong, and each one is extraordinarily dedicated. Professionally, it is one of the most rewarding positions I have ever held, and I could not be prouder to be part of the team. 

I often find myself at Sam’s, Sperry’s, Bistro 360, and Sportsman’s, and those experiences have led to some wonderful friendships. And if you haven’t tried brunch at The Roze Pony, do yourself a favor and order the smoked trout spread! 

For fun, I love to travel and will take any opportunity I can get to head to the beach. I also enjoy participating in the annual Battle of Belle Meade golf tournament, which benefits retired military and police service canines. It is a great event and a lot of fun, especially because many of the participants are friends I have gotten to know through Sam’s, Sperry’s, Bistro 360 and Sportsman’s. 

How has your career in public service shaped your connection to Belle Meade and the community?
Looking back, my career has taken me through EMS, public health, emergency management, national security and aviation. Although each chapter has been different, there has been one constant throughout: a commitment to public service, community and helping people when they need it most. I’m grateful to call Belle Meade home and for the opportunity to continue my commitment to public service in such a strong and connected community.