Lana Kiernan brings a strong background in healthcare administration, project coordination, and office operations. As Director of Administration at EMG Inc., she drives operational excellence by aligning administrative functions with EMG’s strategic goals and supporting key operational initiatives. Lana plays a critical role in project delivery, quality control, stakeholder engagement, and document development, while overseeing internal workflows and optimizing internal processes. Her leadership has significantly enhanced EMG’s operational efficiency, reporting standards, and overall service quality, establishing her as a key leader in the company's continued success.

Brian Hutchinson, former Fire Chief of North Vancouver and current Superintendent of Provincial Operations with BC Wildfire Service, brings more than 20 years of emergency services experience. He has led regional emergency response planning and authored major disaster plans across Canada. With a Master’s in Disaster & Emergency Management, Brian specializes in evidence-based planning, fire service transformation, and post-disaster operations.

With over 30 years in fire services and 25 in leadership, Brent Sterling is a Station Chief and hazmat specialist with the Office of the Fire Marshal. He has advised municipalities across Canada on fire operations, policy, training, and station design. Brent also brings experience from managing large-scale industrial operations, offering a unique blend of public safety and organizational leadership expertise.

Eric Nordlund is the former Deputy Fire Chief of Thunder Bay, where he led fire prevention, emergency management, and public education. With 30+ years in the field, Eric brings expertise in policy development, labour relations, and strategic leadership. He’s also served in key firefighter association roles and holds national certifications in fire investigation and chief officer leadership.

With more than three decades in emergency services, Guy Degagné is a respected leader in fire service training and certification. As a former Assistant Deputy Fire Marshal, he managed the Ontario Fire College, overseeing operations, budgeting, and curriculum delivery. Guy brings deep expertise in strategic and operational planning, human resources, and procurement. He has spearheaded program development and evaluation systems for fire protection personnel across Ontario and is a recognized authority on occupational competencies and professional development in the fire service.

Haida Fortier has over 25 years of leadership in municipal fire services, rising to Chief Officer roles where she championed public safety, emergency response, and strategic planning. She holds advanced certifications, including Executive Chief Fire Officer (ECFO) and Certified Fire Protection Specialist, and has led responses to wildfires and natural disasters across BC. A passionate educator and advocate, Haida is a Certified Fire Service Educator II and a founder of Camp Ignite, which empowers young women in the fire service. Her leadership style is rooted in data-driven strategy, inclusive mentorship, and continuous improvement.

Jeremy Parkin, Fire Chief at Rama Fire, is a progressive leader known for driving wellness, PTSD prevention, and recruitment initiatives within the fire service. As Vice President of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and Chair of its Training & Education Committee, Jeremy actively shapes the future of firefighter education. He is a published writer and contributor to national fire service publications and has supported Indigenous and international firefighting organizations. Jeremy’s instructional background and hands-on leadership reflect his deep commitment to service excellence and cultural evolution in the fire sector.

Les Karpluk has four decades of fire and emergency services experience, culminating in his tenure as Fire Chief of Prince Albert, SK, and later with Parks Canada. Honored as Canada’s Fulltime Career Fire Chief of the Year, Les now consults nationally on strategic fire service planning, master plans, and organizational reviews. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Business in Emergency Services and advanced certifications including Fire Officer IV and Emergency Management. Les is also a dedicated educator, teaching at Dalhousie University, and Lakeland College. His expertise in stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and governance consultation makes him a sought-after advisor to fire departments across Canada.

Richard Hayes has recently taken on a new role in Halifax, Nova Scotia, as assistant fire chief, following a distinguished tenure as Deputy Fire Chief for the London Fire Department, where he led a team of 336 firefighters across 14 stations. With over 30 years of experience in the fire service, Richard has also served as Fire Chief in Muskoka Lakes and as Deputy Chief in Tillsonburg. His commitment to training and personnel development is evident through his wide range of certifications, including Emergency Medical Responder, Fire Service Instructor, and Crisis Intervention. As a consultant with EMG, Richard has led master fire planning initiatives and conducted CAD system reviews for multiple municipalities. He combines operational expertise with a focus on safety, innovation, and community service.

Ryan Schubert, a proud Metis Nation of Ontario Citizen, brings over 20 years of leadership in public safety. He also works with the Metis Nation of Ontario on Self-Government consultations. Formerly Deputy Chief of Administration at the Guelph Fire Department and a Chief Officer at Waterloo Fire Rescue, Ryan has extensive experience in operations, training, and accreditation. He holds a Bachelor’s in Emergency Services Administration and is pursuing a Master’s at Royal Roads University. Ryan is an advocate for health, wellness, and Indigenous fire safety, serving on various committees, including the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Committee.

Steven is the Fire Chief for the Town of Dallas NC Fire Department, where he transitioned the department to a combination model and improved its ISO rating. He continues to support the department through records management and incident reporting. Previously, Steven was the Administrative Captain with the City of Gastonia Fire Department where he was the fire accreditation manager and liaison to the County Communications Center. As a peer assessor and team leader with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), Steven has completed over 50 site visits.

Andrea Koolick brings over 25 years of law enforcement experience, specializing in mass casualty planning, incident management, and investigations. She served as Operations Chief for the COVID Incident Management Team and has led major investigative units. Andrea holds a Master’s degree in Public Safety and a post-graduate diploma in Emergency Management. Andrea’s strategic thinking and leadership make her a respected figure in public safety and emergency planning.

Carol Holden is an experienced emergency management professional with a strong focus on healthcare and post-secondary environments. She has led numerous initiatives, including training programs in mental health first aid, crisis intervention, and emergency protocols. Notably, Carol improved emergency response procedures in hospitals and collaborated with local police to enhance the transfer-of-care process for individuals under the Mental Health Act. Carol has overseen emergency planning for capital projects, risk assessments, and stakeholder training, ensuring preparedness during critical incidents. Her contributions make her a strategic leader in emergency management within high-risk environments.

Ali Asgary is an expert in disaster, emergency, and business continuity management. His extensive research and applied teaching are enhanced by his active contributions to the profession and by translating them into real world practices at different levels. Because of his award-winning research and training for different organizations, Dr. Asgary is always on the cutting edge of the emerging disaster and emergency management field. He was among the faculty members who established this discipline in Canadian Universities, including York University and Brandon University. Ali has been consulting for EMG since 2019.

Mike MacIsaac has over 25 years of leadership experience in emergency services, including serving as Executive Deputy Chief for Greater Sudbury Fire & Paramedic Services as well as Paramedic Chief for Manitoulin – Sudbury EMS. He has managed large teams and budgets, including overseeing a $40 million budget. Mike also served as the Community Emergency Management Coordinator, guiding the city’s emergency response strategies. His progressive leadership style and extensive experience in fiscal management and operational readiness make him a trusted figure in emergency services.

Michael Merko is a seasoned leader in emergency services, currently serving as Superintendent with Peel Region Paramedic Service. He oversees daily operations, special projects, and disaster management initiatives. Michael has held various leadership positions, including Deputy Chief of Operations at Middlesex-London Paramedic Service, where he managed large teams and budgets. His work in high-profile disaster management projects and improving patient care has contributed to enhancing operational efficiency and team empowerment within paramedic services.

Penelope Perry is an expert in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), a multidisciplinary approach that combines urban and architectural design with the management of environments to enhance safety and reduce crime. She specializes in conducting CPTED reviews for properties and neighborhoods, with expertise in crime analysis, demographics, land use evaluation, environmental observations, movement patterns, entrapment spots, leftover spaces, signage, and community engagement. Penelope’s strong background in CPTED inspections and practical solution development ensures each site receives a tailored strategy to foster safer, more resilient environments.

Erin Torrence is an experienced AutoCAD Technician specializing in the development of detailed site plans, fire plans, evacuation drawings, and wayfinding maps. She has contributed to numerous EMG projects, including work for Toronto Community Housing, Delmanor, the Town of Gravenhurst, and the Town of Georgina. Erin is skilled in collaborating with engineers and designers, translating blueprints into precise CAD models, conducting final renderings, and delivering high-quality drawings tailored to client specifications. With a bachelor’s degree in engineering or design, CAD certification, and advanced AutoCAD expertise, Erin brings strong technical skills, a keen eye for detail, and a commitment to delivering accurate, efficient project results.

Sandra McKenzie is a senior HR leader with over 20 years of experience across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master’s in Workplace Learning and Change, and a Diploma in Public Administration and Leadership, Sandra is a Certified Human Resources Professional. She has held progressively responsible HR roles in municipal governments and the Ontario Public Service, currently providing strategic advice and support to senior leadership at a large regional municipality.

Tracey Lowey brings over 20 years of experience in the community services and crime analysist sector. Tracey currently holds the position with the Alberta Law Enforcement Team as a Crime and Intelligence Analyist. Tracey’s duties and responsibilities include identifying crime trends, analyzing data, liasing with external agencies and providing new targets based on current trends and intelligence. Her current focus is with the Human Trafficking Unit. Before this position, Tracey worked with the Calgary Police Service as a Crime and Intelligence Analyist with the Homicide Unit, and Guns and Gangs Unit.