08 Aug Telgian’s Russell Leavitt elected National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Chair
At the most recent National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) annual conference, Russell B. Leavitt, the Executive Chairman of Telgian Holdings, assumed the role of NFPA Chair of the Board. He will hold the position for the next two years.
NFPA is a global, nonprofit organisation devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The organisation focuses on fire codes and standards, as well as public education for fire safety, outreach and advocacy, training and essential research. NFPA Board Members are selected based on business industry experience, as well as the respect of peers in the safety community, a proven commitment to the association’s goals and an appreciation for the relationship NFPA must maintain with society as its needs evolve.
Leavitt said: “I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of the outgoing chair, Amy Acton. It is an honor to serve with my fellow board members, the executive leadership team, and all of the associates of NFPA.
“There are no individuals anywhere who have more passion or a greater commitment to making the world a safer place to live and work.”
As NFPA Chair, Leavitt will work with the association as it delivers information, knowledge and training nationwide. Leavitt has served in a variety of positions for NFPA for over three decades, most recently as 1st Vice Chair. In addition to this leadership position within the organisation, Leavitt also serves on the NFPA 13 Sprinkler System Discharge and Installation Technical Committees, as well as on NFPA 3, NFPA 4 and the Cultural Resources (NFPA 909 and 914) Technical Committees.
NFPA Immediate Past Chair Amy Acton said: “Having the great fortune to work alongside Russ on the NFPA board, I know he will continue to bring forward his deep expertise, drive, and passion for the mission of the NFPA. As the Chair, he will help advise and support the organisation as it works to expand its impact and continues to make this world a safer place.”
With almost four decades of experience, Leavitt has long been recognised as an expert in the industry for his expertise, and he shares this knowledge as a sought-after speaker and presenter. Leavitt is a senior instructor for the NFPA, American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) and Fire Smarts, and he conducts fire and life safety seminars both nationally and internationally on a variety of related subjects. Examples include Expo Fire Protection Mexico & International Congress and International, EduCODE International Conference, Fire Sprinkler Americas Conference, and FireCon, among others.
During the course of his career, Leavitt has also authored numerous industry training materials and informational articles including ‘Fire Safety Codes and Standards: What You Need to About NFPA.’
Leavitt was also the recipient of the Henry S. Parmelee Award presented by the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) and was presented with the NFPA Special Achievement Award by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for his role as Chair of the NFPA 13 Restructuring Task Group for the 2019 Edition.