In the world of submarine warfare, leadership is not optional, it’s survival. Join Marc Koehler, a former U.S. Nuclear Submarine officer, as he discusses how leadership principles used under the ocean can transform leadership on land. Drawing from his experience, Koehler will walk attendees through Fast Attack Leadership: The 5-Step Framework US nuclear submarine officers use to create resilient, high-performing teams under pressure. With compelling stories, case studies, and data, he demonstrates how this leadership approach can achieve 9x productivity and 3x higher retention. Koehler equips leaders with the tools to confidently steer through challenges and emerge with teams stronger than ever before.

Welcoming Remarks: Zach Curren, President, Fire Chiefs Department and Fire Chief, Napa

Host City Welcome: Paul Alvarado, Fire Chief, Palm Springs

Keynote Speaker: Marc Koehler, former U.S. Navy Nuclear Submarine Officer, and Founder, Lead With Purpose

With one in three cities in California facing structural deficits, local government staff need to navigate the complexities of ballot initiatives and ensure revenues support essential services. In 2024, Napa successfully passed a 1% general sales tax ballot measure to increase locally controlled funding for community needs. The primary internal leaders will discuss their experiences guiding the initiative from concept to the ballot measure. They’ll discuss how staff can effectively manage outreach and education, interpret polling, engage consultants and community partners, and balance political considerations alongside day-to-day responsibilities. As this measure was passed last November, attendees will gain timely insight into the strategies, challenges, and lessons learned from recent success. Participants will leave with a practical understanding of what it takes to lead a ballot measure effort, and what comes next after a “yes” vote.

Moderator: Zach Curren, President, Fire Chiefs Department and Fire Chief, Napa

Speakers: Liz Habkirk, Assistant City Manager, Napa | Julie Lucido, Public Works Director, Napa

Leaders in fire agencies carry the dual responsibility of supporting their employees while protecting their organizations from preventable liability. This session highlights ten common areas where missteps can lead to risk, including performance evaluations, promotions, documentation for discipline or performance improvement, and compliance with the Firefighters Procedural Bill of Rights Act. Through real-world examples and lessons learned, experienced litigators and public safety practitioners will share practical guidance on how agency leaders can foster fairness, transparency, and accountability, all while reducing exposure to liability.

Moderator: Alexander Hamilton, Department Director, Fire Chiefs Department and Fire Chief, Oxnard

Speakers: James Oldendorph, Partner, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore | Joung Yim, Partner, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore

This panel brings together fire chiefs from Southern California to share firsthand accounts and strategic insights from the LA-area wildfires earlier in 2025. Panelists will explore operational challenges, inter-agency coordination, and key lessons learned for future wildfire preparedness and response.

Moderator: Bernard Molloy, First Vice President, Fire Chiefs Department and Fire Chief, Murrieta Fire & Rescue

Speakers: Jed Gaines, Assistant Chief, CAL FIRE | Lonny Olson, Deputy Chief, CAL FIRE

From supply chain issues to rising costs, delays in fire apparatus procurement are affecting departments statewide. Learn what’s contributing to the slowdown and how fire chiefs can adapt to ensure operational readiness.

Moderator: Chris Nigg, Past President, Fire Chiefs Department and Fire Chief, La Verne

Speakers: Damon Conklin, Legislative Advocate, League of California Cities | Ryan Fleming, Senior Consultant, Assembly Emergency Management Committee | Rhodesia Ransom, Assemblymember, AD 13; Chair of the Emergency Management Committee, California State Assembly

Leading experts from the League of California Cities will share the latest legislative updates impacting fire safety and the environment to help cities plan, prepare, and fund wildfire resilience efforts. Learn how these changes affect fire service priorities and what they mean for your role as a fire chief.

Moderator: Adam Loeser, Fire Chief, Fullerton

Speakers: Melissa Sparks-Kranz, Legislative Advocate, League of California Cities | Jolena Voorhis, Legislative Advocate, League of California Cities

Make new friends and catch up with old ones while enjoying delicious appetizers and tasty no host beverages during the evening networking reception. This joint reception is open to attendees from the Fire Chiefs Leadership Seminar and Municipal Finance Institute. It’s the perfect opportunity to form support networks inside and outside your profession.

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Stay ahead of the curve with a timely legislative update from League of California Cities experts on wildfire response, recovery, and insurance-related topics. Learn how new policies may impact fire service operations and what it means for your role as a fire chief.

Moderator: Chris Nigg, Past President, Fire Chiefs Department and Fire Chief, La Verne

Speaker: Jolena Voorhis, Legislative Advocate, League of California Cities

What can emergency responders do for people who cannot manage their basic needs? In this session, panelists will discuss how California’s changing mental health laws affect Emergency Medical Services. SB43 now defines grave disability to include Severe Substance Use Disorders, or those unable to manage personal safety or essential medical care. The CARE Act established a court to assist people with untreated, severe psychotic disorders. Navigating these tools can be complex, so join us to hear the this San Diego team describe their on-going collaboration with law enforcement and the Department of Homeless Solutions, highlighting ways to improve outcomes and accountability for those who are unable to access help independently.

Moderator and Speaker: Ann Marie Council, Retired Deputy City Attorney, San Diego

Speakers: Aaron Meyer, Behavioral Health Officer, San Diego | Kevin Paschall, Program Manager, San Diego Fire-Rescue

Fire departments often rely on easily reported metrics, like response times, call volume, and training hours, as indicators of success. While these metrics are easy to report and compare, they don’t reflect what truly matters to the community: outcomes that affect lives, property, health, safety, and economic security. This session presents a forward-thinking framework for outcome-based performance measurement, highlighting metrics such as preventable fire deaths, cardiac arrest survival rates, building fire containment before flashover, and property insurance savings through risk reduction. Participants will also explore upcoming changes to the Public Protection Classification system, the impact of artificial intelligence on incident prediction and resource deployment, and strategies to position their department as an essential community asset. Attendees will leave equipped to shift from reporting data to telling a story that truly captures how they serve their community.

Closing Remarks: Bernard Molloy, First Vice President, Fire Chiefs Department and Fire Chief, Murrieta Fire & Rescue

Speaker: Michael Despain, CEO, AP Triton LLC