OUR PRINCIPALS
Mark Heine, Co-Founder
Mark Heine is a 41-year veteran of the fire service including serving as Fire Chief for the Novato Fire Protection District and the Sonoma County Fire District for 12 of those years. He has served on the Executive Board of the California Fire Chiefs Association for the past 11 years and currently serves as its Past-President. His leadership tenure includes successful multi-agency consolidations, securing an exclusive operating area ambulance contract, successful fire station construction projects, and is a recognized expert in leadership team development.
Bill Adams, Co-Founder
Bill Adams has more than 30 years of General Counsel experience advising the public and private sector decision makers on strategic planning and innovative policy implementation. A graduate of Northwestern University and 26 year Marine veteran, he attended the University of Oregon School of Law and National Defense University. Bill serves as Special Counsel to the California Fire Chiefs Association and Fire District Association of California, and is a frequent speaker on leadership and emergency services.
Jeffrey Meston, Senior Project Manager
Jeffrey Meston is a nationally recognized fire service leader and 2023 inductee into the California Fire Chiefs Association Hall of Fame. With over 45 years of experience across city, county, state, special district, tribal, and private fire agencies, he brings unmatched expertise in fire administration, emergency planning, and organizational turnaround.
A trusted advisor in governance, labor relations, and culture change, Jeff has led strategic plans, promotional processes, and leadership programs for numerous agencies. He is a Certified California Fire Chief, Executive Fire Officer, and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
Jeff continues to support fire service innovation as a consultant with Emergency Services Advisors and UC San Diego’s WIFIRE Convergence and Climate and Wildfire Institute.
Matt Gustafson, Senior Project Manager
Matt Gustafson brings over 42 years of fire and life safety experience across private, municipal, district, and consolidated fire agencies. He retired in 2021 as Deputy Chief from a Northern California fire district and now serves as a senior project manager providing strategic consulting to public safety organizations across the country, including California, Michigan, Montana, Wisconsin, and Maryland. His expertise spans operations, administration, prevention, training, and leadership in both career and volunteer environments.