U.S. Fire Administration Leadership

Paul Matheis

U.S. Fire Administrator

Paul Matheis brings more than 40 years of frontline fire service experience and visionary leadership to his role as U.S. Fire Administrator. His career began battling California wildfires as a Cal Fire wildland firefighter before becoming a firefighter in Newport Beach, California. His passion has evolved into a lifelong commitment to strengthening the nation's fire and emergency services via active engagement on numerous committees and panels. Today, he leads the United States Fire Administration with the same hands-on commitment that once drove him through many years as an operational field commander responding to countless fire and medical emergencies. Notable national events include the Los Angeles riots, the Laguna Beach firestorm, and Hixson Metals hazardous materials fire that have sharpened his focus on efforts to equip every fire department—career and volunteer alike—with the tools, training, and staffing strategies needed to protect American communities in an era of growing fire safety complexity.

Eriks Gabliks

Acting Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator

Superintendent, National Fire Academy

Eriks Gabliks is the superintendent of the National Fire Academy (NFA). He was named to this position in November 2020. As superintendent, Mr. Gabliks provides leadership for the NFA, which focuses on enhancing the ability of fire and emergency services and allied professionals to deal more effectively with fire and other emergencies.