Our principals.
Former fire chiefs, public-sector counsel, and finance leaders — people who've sat where you're sitting.
Mark Heine
Co-FounderMark 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 he is a recognized expert in leadership team development.
Bill Adams
Co-FounderBill Adams has more than 30 years of General Counsel experience advising public and private sector decision makers on strategic planning and innovative policy implementation. A graduate of Northwestern University and a 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 ManagerJeffrey 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 ManagerMatt 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.
Mark Carlson
Public Finance SpecialistMark Carlson is a veteran financial executive with over 40 years of experience in public and private sector finance. Currently CFO of Union Sanitary District in California, he has also served as Director of Administrative Services and Assistant City Manager for multiple municipalities. Mark brings deep expertise in public sector budgeting, financial reporting, and strategic funding initiatives. He is a licensed CPA in California and Oregon, and is known for his analytical insight, collaborative approach, and commitment to practical solutions.
Work with people who've run the agencies you're advising.
Reach out and we'll connect you with the principal best suited to your agency's needs.