President John Butler has announced the names of the individuals who have been accepted into the IAFC Diversity Executive Leadership Program (iDELP) program as fellows in iDELP Cohort 3
McLean, VA – International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) President John Butler has announced the names of the individuals who have been accepted into the IAFC Diversity Executive Leadership Program (iDELP) program as fellows in iDELP Cohort 3.
The iDELP program was created by the IAFC in 2016 to cultivate current and future leaders from under-represented groups using networking, professional development guidance, and involvement in strategic opportunities to elevate inclusiveness within the IAFC. Under IAFC President Butler’s leadership, the iDELP program has expanded to include formal learning objectives that focus on the challenges faced by leaders and organizations in the fire service as they relate to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and their impacts on the fire and emergency services.
The iDELP program is a highly selective program that accepts only 15 fellows for each cohort - - all who must be currently serving as a company officer or mid-level fire and emergency service chief fire officer. During their 18-month cohort journey, iDELP fellows learn from subject matter experts, develop solutions to current and emerging issues, and prepare to share those solutions with their sponsor organizations and the fire and emergency services community.
The iDELP program is one of the premier fire and emergency services DEIB educational programs offered. Focused on preparing individuals to be successful DEIB thought leaders and solutions catalysts, this unique program is just one of many ways that the IAFC is preparing our fire and emergency servicers leaders of tomorrow.
Those accepted as fellows in iDELP Cohort 3 are:
Battalion Chief Lance Blakey, Charlottesville Fire Department, VA
Division Chief Steven Carter, Sunrise Fire Rescue, FL
Captain Rashawn Fulcher, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Protection District, CA
Lieutenant Christopher Shane Henderson, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, FL
Acting Captain Pike Krpan, City of Hamilton Fire Department, Ontario, Canada
Fire Chief Brian Kuznik, Greeley Fire Department, CO
Assistant Chief Kristine Larson, Los Angeles City Fire Department, CA
Fire Chief Aaron Lipski, Milwaukee Fire Department, WI
Fire Chief Paul Luizzi, Goodyear Fire Department, AZ
Fire Chief Alexander Northern, Norwich Fire Department, VT
Ambulance Commander Betty Ortiz, Chicago Fire Department, IL
Fire
Chief Raul Ortiz, New Britain Fire Department, CT
Battalion Chief Jenn Panko, Santa Clara Fire Department/City of Santa Clara, CA
Assistant Chief Shannon Teamer Keesey, Orange County Fire Rescue, FL
Human Resource Director Suzi Washo, Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, WA
For more information, please contact Pete Piringer, Public Information Officer, at 240-672-4871 or ppringer@iafc.org.
About iDELP
The IAFC Diversity Executive Leadership Program supports individuals from under-represented identity groups and those interested in increasing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in the fire service and are committed to professional development. Participants are expected to participate in a leadership program of education, mentoring, and volunteer service in the IAFC and fire service community.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials response, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest best practices and services available for first responders. In 2023, the IAFC proudly commemorates its 150th anniversary.