LEESBURG, VA. – The American Wood Council (AWC) has expanded its outreach to the fire service with the promotion of Ray O’Brocki, Esq., CBO, to Director, Fire Service Engagement. AWC has also hired a West Coast Fire Service Relations Manager, Greg Womack.
“Ray has done outstanding work in creating a stronger and more collaborative relationship between AWC and the fire service community. His promotion recognizes his success in strengthening relationships, leadership and contributions to AWC’s reputation as a trusted resource to fire service organizations nationwide. Ray’s expertise on construction fire safety codes continues to build AWC’s already strong reputation towards ensuring wood products are properly used and recognized in adopted building regulations,” said AWC President & CEO Jackson Morrill.
His leadership in construction fire safety codes includes serving on multiple National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) committees including NFPA 241 Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alternative, and Demolition Operations, NFPA 1 Fire Code, and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. Ray is staff executive to the AWC Fire Service Advisory Council (FSAC) established in 2019 to better understand and gain input on how the wood industry should engage with and act as a resource for the American Fire Service. The counsel provided by FSAC continues to shape AWC’s programs and has grown in importance under his leadership. His expertise is also recognized internationally. He has presented at the London FIREX conference, Europe’s leading annual fire safety event. He also delivered the keynote to fire protection and fire engineering professionals at the prestigious FireNZ Conference in New Zealand.
Ray started at AWC in 2018 as Manager, Fire Service Relations. Prior to joining AWC, he was a firefighter and moved through the ranks to Assistant Chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department. He later became the Chief of Inspections Services Division for Rockville City, overseeing operation of building and fire inspections for the city.
The demand for Ray’s educational outreach has increased to the point that we had added a Western Fire Service Manager, which has been filled by Greg Womack. He will be growing the reach of the AWC fire service engagement program on issues that include the wildland urban interface and construction fire safety.
Greg is based in Boise, Idaho, and comes to AWC with 34 years of public safety experience including 20+ years in leadership of Boise Firefighters Local 149 including serving as Division Chief of Operations at Boise Fire. Greg has been recognized as Boise Fire Department Firefighter of the year and with the IAFF Leadership Award in 2016.
###
