Jim Pauley announces retirement from NFPA presidency
Iain Hoey
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Who will succeed Jim Pauley after a decade leading NFPA?
Jim Pauley has announced that he will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) on 31 July 2026.
According to Pauley, he informed the NFPA Board of Directors of his plans more than a year ago, and the organisation has since been preparing for the transition.
He explained that the board has been considering how it intends to manage the leadership search.
Pauley said the process will not formally begin until November 2025.
He added that NFPA staff were informed this week, prompting a broader public announcement.
Search process to begin later this year
Pauley confirmed that the NFPA Board of Directors has appointed Spencer Stuart, an executive search firm, to manage the recruitment.
He stated that the formal process will commence in November 2025, with further details to be released once the search is underway.
The NFPA indicated that inquiries regarding the appointment should be directed to Spencer Stuart when the process begins.
It added that the organisation will publish a formal statement once the recruitment phase has started.
NFPA’s history of leadership
Pauley noted that the NFPA has had only seven presidents in its 130-year history.
He said it has been an honour to serve as one of them.
The NFPA is headquartered in the United States and develops standards and guidance for fire protection, life safety and electrical safety.
Pauley has served as President and CEO since 2014.
Transition and continuity plans
Pauley said he will work closely with the board during the transition period.
He stated that the goal is to ensure a smooth process from announcement through to succession.
He added that he will remain fully engaged with NFPA’s activities until his retirement date.
Pauley explained that the organisation will continue to focus on advancing its mission during the transition period.
NFPA mission during transition
According to Pauley, the NFPA will continue its work to advance its mission of protecting people and property from fire, life safety and electrical hazards.
He stated that this work will remain the organisation’s priority until his departure in 2026.
He added that the NFPA will continue operating at full speed through the transition process.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The transition in leadership at NFPA is relevant to fire and safety professionals because the organisation sets widely recognised codes and standards that influence global practice.
A change in leadership may shape how the NFPA prioritises updates to its standards and engages with international fire safety bodies.
Awareness of the succession process provides context for how long-term projects and regulatory work may be managed during and after the transition.
Professionals can expect continuity until at least mid-2026, when Pauley steps down.
Jim Pauley announces retirement from NFPA presidency: Summary
Jim Pauley will retire as NFPA President and CEO on 31 July 2026.
He informed the NFPA Board of Directors of his plans in 2024.
The leadership search will begin in November 2025.
Spencer Stuart has been appointed to lead the recruitment process.
The NFPA will release a formal announcement once the process starts.
The organisation has had only seven presidents in its 130-year history.
Pauley has led the NFPA since 2014.
He said he will continue to work with the board to ensure a smooth transition.
He stated that the NFPA will continue to advance its mission until his departure.
The mission focuses on protecting people and property from fire, life safety and electrical hazards.