Preparing Tomorrow's Fire Chiefs for Executive Leadership
Prepare with confidence for your first fire chief opportunity. Reaching for the Gold is a one-day executive leadership seminar that helps aspiring fire chiefs successfully compete for executive positions. Developed by graduates and faculty of the IAFC Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI), the program provides practical coaching, proven strategies, and real-world insights to help participants navigate the fire chief selection process and prepare for success in their first chief officer role.
Who Should Attend
This program is designed for:
- Assistant chiefs, deputy chiefs, division chiefs, and other senior fire service leaders.
- Chief officers planning to pursue a fire chief position within the next 12–18 months.
- Leaders seeking practical advice and mentoring from experienced fire chiefs and FSEDI graduates.
What You'll Gain
Participants will:
- Gain confidence navigating executive recruitment and assessment processes.
- Learn how to identify organizations that align with their leadership philosophy and career goals.
- Strengthen interview, presentation, and executive communication skills.
- Develop practical tools to improve competitiveness throughout the hiring process.
- Create a strategic plan for a successful transition into their first fire chief role.
Program Topics
Leadership Development
- Personal assessment
- Living your values
- Executive presence
- Leadership credibility
Career Preparation
- Executive resume development
- Application strategies
- Interview preparation
- Finding the right organizational fit
Executive Transition
- Selection process
- Negotiating compensation and contracts
- Developing your first 100-day plan
Support and Resources
Participants receive practical resources to support their job search, including:
- Resume and executive application templates.
- Interview preparation guides and planning tools.
- Reference materials developed by experienced fire chiefs.
- Ongoing access to faculty mentors for guidance throughout the hiring process.
Why Attend?
- Learn from experienced fire chiefs and other Subject Matter Experts from the Field. Faculty members have successfully navigated the fire chief hiring process and understand what executive search committees are looking for.
- Receive practical, actionable guidance. Every session focuses on tools and strategies you can immediately apply during your job search.
- Benefit from personalized coaching. Small class sizes encourage meaningful discussion, peer learning, and individualized feedback.
- Expand your professional network. Build relationships with respected fire service leaders and peers pursuing similar career goals.
Learn from Proven Fire Service Leaders and Subject Matter Experts
Faculty members are graduates of the IAFC Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) and Subject Matter Experts. As current and former fire chiefs, they bring firsthand experience navigating executive searches, leading organizations, and succeeding in chief officer roles. Their real-world perspective provides participants with practical guidance that extends beyond the classroom.
By the end of the seminar, participants will have greater confidence, a stronger executive application package, practical interview strategies, and a personalized plan for securing and succeeding in their first fire chief position.
For More Information
Mary Beth Michos
Director, IAFC Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI)
mbmichos@iafc.org