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NWCG Leadership Curriculum Providers and Lead Instructors

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L-380 Fireline Leadership

Adaptive Training Options (Approved 2013)

  • Frank Norbury (2013)
  • Kevin Harvell (2023)

Mission-Centered Solutions (Approved 2000)

  • Dayton Baraw (2001)
  • Mike Carroll (2001)
  • Tony DeMasters (2023)
  • Eric Hill (2009)
  • Mike Kancir (2017)
  • John Lee (2000)
  • Gary Luck (2022)
  • Lark McDonald (2000)
  • Jon Ridolfo (2011)
  • Steve Rosta (2011)
  • Andrew Sidwell (2017)
  • Mark T. Smith (2000)
  • Paul Smith (2019)

National Outdoor Leadership School (Approved 2005)

  • Lisa Bauer (2012)
  • Allison Bergh (2010)
  • Chris Bruno (2012)
  • Jesse Burns (2010)
  • Scott Christy (2005)
  • Jim Culver (2006)
  • Andy Dennis (2013)
  • Darcy Deutscher (2008)
  • Jake Freed (2010)
  • Ryland Gardner (2011)
  • Tim Hendricks (2010)
  • Kate Koons (2010)
  • Marcio Paes-Barretto (2010)
  • Kathleen Pelto (2012)
  • Dave Piggott (2010)
  • Jesse Quillian (2014)
  • Rick Rochelle (2010)
  • Shannon Rochelle (2008)
  • Ann Schorling (2013)
  • Jaret Slipp (2013)
  • Linnea (PeeBee) van den Toorn (2014)
  • Darren Wells (2005)
  • Ashley Wise (2013)

Pacific Northwest Training Center (Approved 2004)

  • Maria Agnew (2012)
  • Jay Bertek (2012)
  • LJ Brown (2011)
  • Bill Miller (2005)
  • Rowdy Muir (2005)
  • Frank Norbury (2004)
  • Brian Sebastian (2022)

Government Agency (Approved 2015)

  • Jake Akerberg (2017)
  • LJ Brown (2015)
  • Danny Bryant (2015)
  • Paul Hohn (2018)
  • Josh Mathisen (2015)
  • Rowdy Muir (2015)
  • Jim Tomaselli (2015)

L-381 Incident Leadership

Adaptive Training Options (Approved 2014)

  • Frank Norbury (2014)

Mission-Centered Solutions (Approved 2003)

  • Dayton Baraw (2003)
  • Eric Hill (2010)
  • Mike Kancir (2022)
  • Gary Luck (2009)
  • Mark T. Smith (2003)

Pacific Northwest Training Center (Approved 2011)

  • Jake Akerberg (2019)
  • Frank Norbury (2013)

L-480 Organizational Leadership

Benchmark Research; Safety, Inc. (Approved 2009)

  • Curt Braun, Ph.D. (2009)

Guidance Group (Approved 2013)

  • Mike DeGrosky (Approved 2013)

The Institute for Advanced Development (2005)

  • Larry Iverson, Ph.D. (2005)

ProHealthNet Incorporated(Approved 2009)

  • Doug Booster (2009)

L-481 Advanced Leadership for Command; General Staff

Mission-Centered Solutions (Approved 2015)

  • Dayton Baraw (2023)
  • John Lee (2016)
  • Lark McDonald (2015)
  • Mark T. Smith (2015)

Contact Information

Website HyperlinkPhone Number
Adaptive Training Options208-484-5482
The Institute for Advanced Development206-772-8989
Mission Centered Solutions303-646-3700 or 866-527-5627
National Outdoor Leadership School307-332-5300 or 800-710-6657
ProHealthNet Incorporated541-389-9197

 

 

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee 

Coming Soon! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

On June 8, 1981, the Ransom Road Fire swept across Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, marking a defining moment in wildland fire management. This event led directly to the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's professional fire program.

Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day. 

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

References:

WFSTAR Catalogue 

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign: "Leadership Levels" Now Available

Date: October 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the Leadership Committee’s 2025–2026 Leadership Campaign, themed “Leadership Levels.” This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal