Paul Matheis

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.

From his early days as a Newport Beach firefighter to his final assignment as division training chief, Matheis built a reputation as an innovator and developer of people. He directed the department's multi-discipline training division, managed a multimillion-dollar budget and oversaw professional development for 137 firefighters, marine safety personnel and 200 ocean lifeguards. He co-authored the Orange County Fire Services/U.S. Coast Guard Mass Rescue Operations Plan, co-authored the John Wayne/Orange County Airport Water Rescue Plan, and spearheaded initiatives ranging from wildland-urban interface training programs to the department's first GIS-based mapping system. Under his leadership, Newport Beach became a model for integrating advanced technology and interagency collaboration in one of the nation's highest-risk coastal environments.

Recognized nationally for his expertise, Matheis has served as an adjunct instructor for the National Fire Academy, teaching Leadership in Supervision, Health and Safety Program Management, and Incident Safety Officer courses to firefighters across the country. He served on the California Fire Chiefs Association Legislative Task Force, the California Incident Command Certification System task force and helped shape national initiatives such as the Department of Homeland Security's SAFIRE program for firefighter situational awareness. Whether designing bilingual safety training for 1,000 employees as a private industry environmental health and safety officer or advising public agencies as a consultant, he has consistently turned complex challenges into practical, scalable solutions.

As U.S. Fire Administrator, Matheis continues to champion the next generation of fire service leaders. His career is defined by a simple belief: The best way to protect lives is to invest relentlessly in the people who run toward danger. Through collaboration, innovation and unwavering focus on safety and accountability, he is ensuring America's fire and emergency services remain ready for whatever tomorrow brings.

Matheis holds a bachelor's degree from California State University and the Executive Fire Officer credential.