[L to R: Bryan Klein, Sean Cutting, Jonathan L. Hodges PhD, Xinyan Huang, PhD]

SFPE Foundation appoints four new members to its Board of Governors

The SFPE Foundation has announced the appointment of four new members to its Board of Governors, effective 1 May.

According to the SFPE Foundation, the new members include Sean Cutting, Director of Industry Relations, Water-based Suppression at Johnson Controls Inc., Dr Jonathan L. Hodges, Director of Modelling at Jensen Hughes, Dr Xinyan Huang, Associate Professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Bryan Klein, Senior Support Engineer at Thunderhead Engineering.

The Foundation said the appointments reflect its commitment to a globally informed, interdisciplinary approach to advancing fire safety knowledge across built, social, and natural environments.

Governors bring varied expertise in fire modelling, suppression, and software

The SFPE Foundation stated that the newly appointed Governors bring professional backgrounds in computational fire modelling, wildland fire research, software development, water-based suppression systems, and fire safety education.

The Foundation added that their experience supports its research focus, which includes areas such as the Grand Challenges Initiative and wildland-urban interface (WUI) fire safety.

Dr Leslie Marshall, Director of the SFPE Foundation, said: “We’re excited to welcome Sean, Jonathan, Xinyan, and Bryan to the SFPE Foundation Board of Governors.

“Together, they bring a remarkable breadth of experience across research, innovation, and industry engagement.

“More importantly, they each share a deep commitment to furthering the Foundation’s vision of the Grand Challenges Initiative, and WUI programs.

“Their insight and leadership will be instrumental in shaping our strategic direction and amplifying the impact of our research and education programs.”

New appointees highlight the importance of global collaboration

The SFPE Foundation explained that the Board appointees represent academic, engineering, and industry sectors from North America and Asia, supporting its aim of strengthening international cooperation in fire protection science.

Sean Cutting said: “It’s an exciting time in the fire protection industry with increasing global awareness and adoption.

“What better organization than the SFPE Foundation to help advance solutions to rapidly changing hazards to provide resilient protection?”

Dr Jonathan Hodges said: “The role of fire protection engineering is evolving over time with a greater focus on wildland fires, batteries, and artificial intelligence.

“The Foundation can play a pivotal role in the global fire protection industry meeting these challenges.

“I am excited to take on a larger role in guiding the Foundation’s initiatives to improve the applied science of fire safety.”

Departing Governors recognised for their service

The SFPE Foundation also acknowledged the contributions of four outgoing members of the Board of Governors.

It reported that Ann Jeffers, Shamim Rashid-Sumar, Noah Ryder, and Manny Silva had completed their terms.

The Foundation thanked the outgoing Governors for their support of its programmes and mission, which is supported through donations from chapters, individuals, agencies, and private organisations.

SFPE Foundation appoints four new board members to advance fire safety science: Summary

The SFPE Foundation has appointed four new members to its Board of Governors.

The appointments took effect on 1 May.

The new Governors are Sean Cutting, Dr Jonathan L. Hodges, Dr Xinyan Huang, and Bryan Klein.

Their expertise includes water-based suppression systems, fire modelling, wildland fire science, and fire safety software.

Dr Leslie Marshall said the new Governors bring experience in research, innovation, and engagement.

Sean Cutting described the appointment as timely given changes in global fire protection.

Dr Jonathan Hodges said the Foundation could help address new challenges including wildfires, batteries, and AI.

The SFPE Foundation also acknowledged the contributions of four outgoing Governors.

The Foundation’s programmes are funded by donations from members, chapters, organisations, and agencies.