NFPA names Ross Ashley as new president and CEO

NFPA board confirms executive transition

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Board of Directors has appointed Ross Ashley as the organisation’s next president and chief executive officer following a unanimous vote.

Ashley will formally assume the leadership position on 1 July.

The appointment follows the retirement of Jim Pauley who has served as president and CEO since 2014.

David R. Paulison, chair of the NFPA Board, said: “For 130 years NFPA standards, research, public education and training have been the foundation of fire, life and electrical safety.

“Ross has the determination and skills to continue the growth of NFPA to further advance its critical mission.”

Professional background and strategic objectives for NFPA

The incoming executive brings three decades of experience in public safety, intelligence, emergency management and corporate leadership.

Ashley most recently served as Senior Director, Emergency Management at KPMG where he managed preparedness and mitigation programs for state and local clients.

His career includes a tenure as assistant administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) overseeing $10 billion in annual financial assistance.

He also served 20 years in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves and was the first Air National Guard member to receive a master’s degree in Strategic Intelligence from the Joint Military Intelligence College.

Ashley said: “I am impressed with the trajectory of NFPA to reach new heights in order to meet the fire and life safety challenges of our times.

“The quest to better protect people and property from fire and other hazards should never be stagnant.

“I’m looking forward to building on the success that Jim and the team have built.”

Transition period and established growth pillars

Pauley will remain with the organisation through the end of July to work alongside his successor during the transition.

The outgoing CEO has held a 35-year affiliation with the body as a member, technical committee participant and standards council chair.

During his ten-year presidency the organisation adopted a strategy focused on becoming more digital, global, connected and diversified.

Pauley said: “I’m proud of our many advancements over the last 12 years.

“Today’s world requires not only change but faster change.

“Our information and knowledge today reaches more people, in more places, in more ways, which translates to greater safety against new and persistent threats.

“Ross Ashley is an excellent choice to continue the momentum at NFPA, and I am sure he will find it as fulfilling as I have.”