Category: CPSE Exchange

As the CPSE community continues to grow, we have identified a need to proactively engage our accredited departments and designated professionals between renewal cycles. Members of the CPSE community have also shared their wish to network with their peers online, virtually, and in-person. To address these needs and wishes, CPSE is recruiting for the CPSE Community Experience Manager position. This position is full-time and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work remotely. CPSE offers excellent benefits as well as a salary that is competitive for the area in which the successful candidate is located.
The ideal candidate for this brand-new role can genuinely connect with various audiences and is able to build something from scratch and ensure it is sustainable. Success for this position is that every member of the CPSE community is engaged with CPSE to their preferred level through such channels as volunteering, virtual exchanges, online platforms, and/or mentoring. The selected individual will report to the CPSE Chief Executive Officer and become part of CPSE’s management team working alongside the Chief Operating Officer and the CFAI and CPC Program Managers. 
Recent experience working in a CFAI accredited agency and experience conducting community engagement activities are a must. Serving as a CFAI peer assessor, CPC peer reviewer, and/or holding a designation through CPC are a plus. 
SELECTION PROCESS:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements by email to Debbie Sobotka, CPSE’s Chief Operating Officer no later than 5 p.m. Eastern on Friday, November 16, 2023.
Interviews will begin the week of December 11, 2023 with the position start date planned for February 5, 2024.
Click here to view the full position description.

The Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) mourns the loss of one of our founders – Chief Ronny J. Coleman, State Fire Marshal, (Ret.), passed away peacefully on September 21, 2023, at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento.
“We will forever be indebted to Chief Coleman for his vision and commitment in making the fire and emergency service better,” shared Mary Cameli, CPSE Board President. “We will continue to be grateful for his leadership in paving the way forward for CPSE. He will be missed by all.”
Chief Coleman was engaged with CPSE since its inception. Beginning in the mid-1980s, he oversaw the design and implementation of the early accreditation process. When the organization, then called the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, now CPSE, was incorporated in 1996, Chief Coleman became our inaugural chair. He served in this role through 2003.
“I had the honor of getting to know Chief Coleman before my time at CPSE. He was a tireless advocate for continuous improvement and genuinely connected with everyone he met,” reflected Preet Bassi, CPSE Chief Executive Officer. “Interviewing him at his home in 2016 for the CFAI 20 Year History Video is among my fondest memories of him.”
When in 2021, CPSE celebrated our 25th Anniversary, we once again sought out Chief Coleman’s perspective as one of the Faces of CPSE for a video about formation of the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. In all the moments that have been captured and in the numerous that have been missed being captured, Chief Coleman’s love for and dedication to the fire service and to the men and women that embody it shined through.
In 2010, the Commission on Professional Credentialing established the Ronny Jack Coleman Leadership Legacy Award. We designed this annual award to recognize individuals who exemplify the ability, character, and dedication to lifelong learning and display the leadership attributes embodied by Chief Coleman.
Chief Coleman was a 50-plus year veteran of the fire service. Following his service and leadership as the Fire Chief in San Clemente, California, and the Fire Chief in Fullerton, California, he was appointed as California State Fire Marshal from 1992 to 2000 by Governor Pete Wilson. Chief Coleman was the past President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and has been a member and leader of numerous fire service committees and associations. He has given us all an incredible legacy with his dedication to our training and education. He championed the California State Fire Training system both as the Division Chief and as the Chairperson of the Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee. He has authored more than 19 books and was influential within our industry as an advisor, leader, mentor, and friend.
Chief Coleman is survived by his wife, Marie, his son Chris Coleman (North Carolina), his daughter Lisa Coleman (Colorado), and their families.