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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayDonna Black brings nearly three decades of fire service leadership, including roles as fire chief in Duck, IAFC president and board chair, and acting U.S. Fire Administrator
February 18, 2026 02:26 PM •
Donna Black.
International Associations of Fire Chiefs
MCLEAN, Va. — The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) announced Donna Black as its new CEO.
Black has more than 29 years of fire service leadership experience, starting in 1997 as a volunteer firefighter and advancing through volunteer and career roles, the IAFC said in a press release. She has served as fire chief for the Town of Duck, North Carolina, since 2006.
The IAFC said Black was elected IAFC president and board chair in 2023, becoming only the second woman to hold the position in the association’s 153-year history. She also served over the past year as acting U.S. Fire Administrator.
“Donna Black’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to the membership make her exceptionally qualified to serve as IAFC’s CEO,” IAFC President and Board Chair Chief Trisha Wolford said. “Her appointment reflects both her achievements and IAFC’s ongoing commitment to lead, educate and serve.”
Black holds a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College and a master’s degree from the University of Georgia, along with credentials from the National Fire Academy, Chief Fire Officer program and UNC Chapel Hill. She will assume the role on March 23, 2026.
“I am honored to serve the IAFC,” Black said. “The organization supports fire and EMS leaders, and I look forward to working with members, partners, and staff to advance its mission.”
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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at [email protected].
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