Committees

AFE committees are groups of dedicated volunteers who help the organization work toward meeting its mission. Any AFE member is welcome to join a committee, and we value the varied experiences, ideas, and motivation that new committee volunteers bring.  

AWARDS Committee

The Awards Committee solicits nominations for AFE Awards, reviews nomination packets, recommends award winners to the AFE Board of Directors, and coordinates award recognition at events. The committee also reviews and awards student grants and scholarships. 

Chair: Adam Watts
Members: Michelle Barry, Micah-John Bierele, Paul Hessburg, Lenya Quinn-Davidson, Christina Restaino

Certification Committee

AFE’s Certification Program is organized into two subcommittees which are composed of at least three to four members each. The subcommittees are responsible for managing and administering the Wildland Fire Professional Certification and Wildland Fire Academic Program Certification Programs, including the review and evaluation of applicants.

Chair: Bob Keane (temporary chair)
Professional Certification Subcommittee Members: Bob Keane (chair), Rut Domènech, Stephen Fillmore, Michael Manton, Brian Van Winkle
Academic Certification Subcommittee Members: Chad Hoffman (chair), Brandon Collins, Kurt Kipfmueller

Diversity, EQuity, and Inclusion Committee

This committee monitors AFE activities to ensure that diversity and inclusivity goals are always considered, assesses the degree of commitment and achievement, and reports updated information to the Association Board on status and accomplishments. In addition, the committee observes the wildland fire profession and reports trends in discrimination, harassment, and diversity and inclusivity. The committee will strive to shift the pervasive culture of exclusion and harassment in many parts of the wildland fire ecology and management profession, helping to usher in a new era of fire ecology and management where representation of persons of different genders, races, ages, cultural backgrounds, and viewpoints, as well as other differences is the norm, not the exception. Click here to read the Committee Charter.

Chairs: Susan Prichard, Gina Cova, and Saba Saberi
Members: Ernesto Alvarado, Alina Cansler, Maureen Essen, Paul Hessburg, Garrett Meigs, Diego Pérez-Salicrup, Charlotte Reemts, Karin Riley, Barb Satink Wolfson, Kip Van de Water, Monique Wynecoop, Tom Zimmerman

Education Committee

The Education Committee provides a forum for dialogue on fire ecology and management training and education, promotes the development of higher education programs in the areas of fire ecology and management, and serves as a liaison between the student section (SAFE) and the AFE Board. 

Chair: Adam Coates and SAFE Liason: Zachary Prusak
Members: Raelene Crandall, Heather Heward, Leda Kobziar, Gus Smith, Larissa Yocom, Andi Thode, Michael Saunders, Kate Wilkin, Mark Kaib, Sandra Rideout-Hanzak, Alan Tepley, George Hahn, Alina Cansler, Jesse Kreye, Chris Dicus, Fabiola Pulido-Chavez

Fund Development Committee

This committee develops long-term and annual fundraising plans to help meet AFE’s financial goals. The group is responsible for investigating, planning, and monitoring new fundraising projects including events, grants, foundational gifts, bequests, and other activities.

Chair: Open
Members: Paul Hessburg, Annie Oxarart, Morgan Varner

Journal Committee

The Publications Committee oversees the development, review, and publication of AFE’s peer-reviewed journal, Fire Ecology, and produces bulletins, proceedings, and other publications. 

Chair: Sharon Hood
Members: Leda Kobziar, Rachel Loehman, Morgan Varner

Long-Range Event Planning Committee

This committee identifies opportunities and partners for future conferences, meetings, and virtual events, and provides significant assistance to program committees to ensure successful events that meet the high standards of AFE. Check out our upcoming events.

Chairs: Lenya Quinn-Davidson, Christina Restaino
Members: Chris Dunn, Nathan Gill, Timothy Ingalsbee, Annie Oxarart, Karin Riley, Diego Pérez Salicrup, Barbara Satink Wolfson

Mentoring Committee

This committee organizes and oversees the Mentoring Futures Program, which aims to actively cultivate the future of fire and resource conservation by investing in future leaders.

Chair: Mark Kaib
Members: Michelle Barry, Christopher Dicus, Eric Knapp, Kurt Kipfmueller, Núria Prat-Guitart, Zach Prusak, Gus Smith

MemberSHIP and engagement Committee

This committee helps to grow membership and enhance its value, and identifies programs, resources, and communications for members and the broader wildland fire community.

Chairs: Eric Knapp, Jens Stevens
Members: Ernesto Alvarado, Bibiana Bilbao, Kori Blankenship, David Godwin, Brice Hanberry, Annie Oxarart