NFPA Appoints Ross Ashley as New President and CEO

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), headquartered in Quincy, has announced the appointment of Ross Ashley as its next president and chief executive officer, succeeding Jim Pauley following his retirement.

The decision was unanimously approved by the NFPA Board of Directors, marking a key leadership transition at the organisation, which has been at the forefront of fire, life, and electrical safety for more than a century.

Ashley brings over 30 years of experience spanning corporate leadership, public safety, intelligence, and emergency management. He most recently served as Senior Director of Emergency Management at KPMG LLP, where he led programmes supporting state and local authorities in preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.

Earlier in his career, Ashley held a senior role at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, managing more than $10 billion annually in financial assistance programmes. He also served for 20 years in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves.

NFPA Board Chair David R. Paulison said Ashley’s leadership will help drive the organisation’s continued growth and strengthen its mission to enhance safety worldwide.

Ashley is set to assume the role on July 1 and will work alongside Pauley during a transition period before the latter retires at the end of July. Pauley, who has led NFPA since 2014, highlighted the organisation’s expansion and increased global reach under his leadership.

Founded in 1896, NFPA remains a leading global nonprofit organisation dedicated to reducing risks and losses caused by fire, electrical, and related hazards through standards, research, education, and advocacy.