EVMS Elections

EVMS Elections

Emergency Vehicle Management Section 2026 Board Candidates

Western Division Director Candidate

Ashanti Gray
Ashanti Gray
Assistant Chief
Bio

Ashanti Gray is a dedicated and dependable fire service leader with more than 27 years of experience across multiple industries, most notably with Las Vegas Fire and Rescue. Her leadership philosophy centers on building high performing teams, strengthening organizational systems, and advancing innovative practices that improve service delivery. Throughout her career, she has directed a wide range of essential functions, including fleet, facilities, logistics, and currently the multiagency communications center. This broad operational foundation gives her a comprehensive understanding of the support systems that enable effective and resilient fire service operations.

As Assistant Fire Chief of Las Vegas Fire and Rescue, Ashanti leads the regional communications center that serves multiple agencies across Southern Nevada. She is responsible for ensuring reliable emergency communications, fostering interagency coordination, and improving operational efficiency. She has led major initiatives that reduce mandatory overtime, improve workflow processes, and enhance employee relations and workforce retention. Her collaborative style emphasizes relationship building with neighboring fire departments, external partners, and regional organizations to support technological advancement and shared operational goals.

Her earlier leadership roles over fleet, facilities, and logistics strengthened her capabilities in resource planning, asset management, project development, and strategic problem solving. These experiences inform her current leadership approach, which blends operational knowledge with a strong commitment to continuous improvement, ethical decision making, and transparent communication.

Ashanti’s dedication aligns closely with the values of the Executive Fire Officer and Executive Leadership frameworks, particularly in developing future leaders, creating organizational stability, and supporting the wellbeing of the workforce. She is committed to fostering a culture of learning, promoting technology that advances service capabilities, and ensuring that the community benefits from thoughtful planning and reliable emergency response systems.

For Ashanti, exceptional service is the baseline. What defines her leadership is her commitment to advancing capabilities through progressive processes, emerging technologies, and meaningful investment in people. Her record of success is grounded in her belief that strong teams, clear communication, and forward-thinking strategies create the greatest impact for both the fire service and the communities it protects.

Southeastern Division Director Candidate

Jason Shivers
Jason Shivers
Assistant Chief
Bio

My name is Jason Shivers and I am the Division Chief of Technical Services for the Forsyth County Fire Department in Forsyth County, Georgia. I’ve been on the job with Forsyth County for over 28 years and am a 2019 National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program graduate. If you are reading this and are a member of the Emergency Vehicle Management Section, then I am sure that we share the same passion – the love of fire trucks. For well over 20 years now, I have been the lead on my department’s new apparatus specifications and construction management. I brought that same passion to the EVMS, eventually being elected as the Southeastern representative on the Board and then ultimately Chair of the Section. Over the past several years, the Board and our special called Emergency Vehicle Supply and Demand Work Group have been closely following the fire apparatus industry, studying the well-known delays of your fire apparatus orders, and developing a soon-to-be-released paper discussing this national issue. It is my sincere desire and hope to continue my work on the Board and see this very important project through to its completion. I ask for your continued support and faith in the work that the Section and Board is doing. I am deeply honored to represent this Team of amazing folks of the EVMS and the IAFC. Thank you.

Missouri Valley Division Director Candidate

Greg Ward
Greg Ward
Assistant Chief
Bio

Greg Ward currently serves as the Assistant Chief of Risk Reduction and Readiness for Loveland Fire Rescue Authority.

In this role, he oversees the Community Safety Division, the Training Division, the Health and Wellness Program, and Logistics, which encompasses fleet and facilities management. His leadership focuses on readiness, operational efficiency, and strengthening systems that support both firefighter safety and community protection.

Since 2009, Greg has led LFRA’s apparatus team, guiding the development of a standardized engine design now in its tenth generation. His work has contributed to the acquisition and design of two tower ladders, two heavy rescue squads, three water tenders, and numerous wildland engines. Throughout this process, he has placed consistent emphasis on operational performance, innovation, and firefighter safety. Greg has also played a key role in enhancing collaboration between fleet maintenance personnel and the apparatus team, creating a strong, integrated approach to apparatus management and lifecycle planning.
Greg is currently a member of the IAFC Emergency Vehicle Management Section (EVMS) and the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association (FAMA) working group, where he is contributing to a white paper addressing the current state of fire apparatus acquisition. He recently served as a panelist on a FireRescue1 webcast discussing trends and priorities in apparatus design, further sharing his experience and insights with the broader fire service community.

With a 37-year career defined by leadership, clarity of vision, and a deep commitment to readiness, Greg continues to advance apparatus design and fleet strategy with a focus on reliability, efficiency, and the safety of the firefighters who depend on them. 

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