NFPA´s regional offices promote and support the use of NFPA tools and resources, including NFPA codes and standards, training, certification, public education, Fire Prevention Week, Fire Sprinkler Initiatives, membership, research, and other key NFPA programs. The regional offices are interested to identify ways NFPA services can improve fire, building, and life safety across North America.
Director of Regional Operations (CA, OR)
Tel: +1 562 498-0711; Cell: +1 562 201-4509
Bizal oversees the U.S. Regional Directors, who provide outreach to NFPA stakeholders regarding the many activities undertaken by the association. Prior to joining NFPA in 2000, Ray spent 12 years with the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) and International Fire Code Institute (IFCI), where he served in several positions, including Uniform Fire Code Coordinator and Manager of Code Development. With over 30 years in the fire protection profession, Bizal also worked at the Lockheed Missiles and Space Company Fire Department as a fire protection specialist, and Factory Mutual Engineering Association as a loss prevention consultant. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and is a registered Fire Protection Engineer in California.
Northeast Region (CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT)
Tel: +1 617 984-7476; fax: +1 617 984-7110
Fire Chief Duval is responsible for promoting and supporting NFPA’s tools and resources, including the use of the NFPA's codes and standards, and he represents NFPA at code hearings, legislative sessions, and allied organization meetings. Additionally, Bob serves as lead fire investigator for NFPA, and he serves as Fire Chief for the volunteer fire department in his hometown. Chief Duval holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering technology from Northeastern University and has served as a staff instructor to the Connecticut Fire Academy.
North Central Region (IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, OH, PA, WI)
Tel: +1 617 984-7237
Hawes has over 20 years of experience as an educator. Previously, she served as a Regional Public Education Specialist for NFPA, providing technical assistance and support on fire & life safety public education outreach and initiatives to 22 states in the Northwest, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Regions of the U.S. Previous to that, Meredith served as an Education Advisor for the NFPA for 5 years, and began her work in Public Education with Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department. As a community builder, Hawes has belonged to many civic organizations and boards. Her work experience ranges from non-profit administration, corporate training, and public education on a local, state, national, and international level. She received her bachelor’s degree Cum Laude in education from Central Michigan University, receiving Michigan Teaching Certification for K-8 with a ZA Endorsement.
Northwest Region (AK, HI, ID, MT, NE, ND, SD, WA)
Tel: +1 406 241-5981
Honold retired from the Missoula Fire Department after a 21 year career. During his years with the fire department, he rose through the ranks to the position of captain. He also spent ten years in the fire marshal’s office and was also active in statewide fire code adoption activities. Honold is a certified EMT and Fire Protection Specialist. He also served one year as an NFPA Public Education Field Advisor for the Northwest Region.
South Central Region (AL, AR, LA, MS, NC, OK, TN, TX)
Tel: +1 617 984-7235; Mobile: +1 919 717-0017
Prior to being a Regional Director, Ransdell served as an NFPA Regional Education Specialist covering 17 states in the Southeast and Northeast regions. Before joining NFPA, she worked as the Deputy Director of the North Carolina Department of Insurance, Office of State Fire Marshal for nearly 15 years and the State Director for Safe Kids NC. Ransdell also served as an NFPA Public Education Advisor in the Southern Region for 7 years. Randell attended North Carolina State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She received a Master of Arts degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology from East Carolina University. She began her 26 year career in emergency services as an Emergency Medical Technician with Knightdale EMS & Rescue.
Southeast Region (DC, DE, FL, GA, KY, MD, SC, VA, WV)
Tel: +1 804-401-9063
James “Robby” Dawson is a 32 year veteran of the Chesterfield (Virginia) Fire and EMS Department. His last position there was as Assistant Chief of the Community Risk Reduction Branch. His responsibilities included the management of the fire marshals office, public education section, community relations, media and public affairs officers, and the county’s Emergency Management Office. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond in Emergency Services Management, a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, and is an Accredited Chief Fire Officer by the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
Southwest Region (AZ, CO, KS, MO, NV, NM, UT, WY)
Tel: +1 720 237-1752
Sullivan has over 31 years of experience serving on fire departments in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Colorado, including several years at the rank of Lieutenant. Prior to coming to NFPA, he served on the Thornton Fire Department in Colorado as the Senior Fire Protection Engineer and Deputy Fire Marshal, focusing on new development construction and fire code enforcement. Previously, Sullivan worked for National Foam Inc./Kidde Firefighting USA and Industrial Risk Insurers. He has a Master's Degree in Fire Protection Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist.
Canadian Regional Director
Tel: +1 289 838-5158
King was a reporter and editor for more than 20 years at newspapers and other publications across Canada and the United States, covering business, legal matters, politics, municipal affairs, and sports. She was editor of Fire Fighting in Canada and Canadian Firefighter magazines for 10 years before joining NFPA in September 2017 as public-education representative. Laura has an honours degree in journalism, political science and public administration, and previously worked with fire departments and chief-officer groups across Canada to educate them about communication and social media. As NFPA’s public-education representative for Canada, Laura deliveres workshops and presentations to hundreds of fire departments from coast to coast to coast. Laura is a Road to Mental Readiness instructor and holds several other certifications.
Regional Electrical Specialist
Tel: +1 330 749-9782
McClintock has 36 years experience in the electrical industry and serves as the primary electrical SME for NFPA’s regional team. He also serves as the Executive Secretary of NFPA’s Electrical Inspector Section. Prior to coming to NFPA, he was the Senior Technical Field Rep for the Midwest Region with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). Previously, he was a Regional Electrical Code Specialist with the NFPA for eight years providing support to state and local jurisdictions across 26 states with the implementation and use of the NEC® and other NFPA electrical codes and standards. Tim also served as the Chief Building Official and Electrical Inspector for the Wayne County Building Department in Wooster, Ohio for 16 years and prior to that, worked for nine years as an electrician.