Executive Development – Fire Leadership & Management Excellence
Metro, in partnership with IFSTA, continues to advance a Metro-powered executive leadership initiative focused on Fire Leadership and Management Excellence. Designed to complement nationally recognized programs such as the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and the International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FESDI), the initiative aims to address the evolving demands placed on metropolitan fire chiefs and executive leaders.
The IFSTA Validation Committee has already convened virtually and is actively developing materials and recommendations across several focus areas, including executive leadership, political acumen, labor-management relations, global exchange opportunities, technology and artificial intelligence leadership, and strategic governance. The committee will continue its work and reconvene during the 93rd IFSTA Validation Conference & Research Symposium in 2026.
Metro members will also play an active role in shaping the initiative through breakout sessions and leadership discussions at the 2026 Metro Fire Chiefs Conference in Milwaukee, June 7–11, 2026. The Metro extends its appreciation to the members of the IFSTA Validation Committee for their continued leadership, expertise, and commitment to advancing executive fire service leadership development.
| Chief Dennis Compton | Chief John Butler | Chief Mary Cameli |
| Chief Sam Greif | Chief Darnell Fullum | Chief Jeff Thompson |
| Chief Michael Baker | Chief David Downey | Chief Alec Oughton |
| Chief Otto Drozd III | Chief Charles Hood | Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, Former U.S. Fire Administrator |
| Deputy Chief Chris Nash (Non-Metro Participant) |
Since 1965, the Metro Chiefs has proudly represented the world’s leading fire and emergency service professionals, uniting leaders from metropolitan areas worldwide to address the complex challenges faced by large urban area departments.
Through partnerships with the IAFC and NFPA, the Metro Fire Chiefs work closely with industry-leading universities, research organizations, and training partners. Together, we support innovation by applying the latest science, technology, and data to the evolving needs of urban fire services, fostering safer, more resilient communities worldwide.
Through partnerships with the IAFC and NFPA, the Metro Fire Chiefs work closely with industry-leading universities, research organizations, and training partners. Together, we support innovation by applying the latest science, technology, and data to the evolving needs of urban fire services, fostering safer, more resilient communities worldwide.
Latest posts by Metro Fire Chiefs (see all)
Since 1965, the Metro Chiefs has proudly represented the world’s leading fire and emergency service professionals, uniting leaders from metropolitan areas worldwide to address the complex challenges faced by large urban area departments.
Through partnerships with the IAFC and NFPA, the Metro Fire Chiefs work closely with industry-leading universities, research organizations, and training partners. Together, we support innovation by applying the latest science, technology, and data to the evolving needs of urban fire services, fostering safer, more resilient communities worldwide.
Through partnerships with the IAFC and NFPA, the Metro Fire Chiefs work closely with industry-leading universities, research organizations, and training partners. Together, we support innovation by applying the latest science, technology, and data to the evolving needs of urban fire services, fostering safer, more resilient communities worldwide.
Latest posts by Metro Fire Chiefs (see all)