Fire Safe Marin is welcoming several new members to its Board of Directors while honoring four longtime leaders whose service helped shape the organization’s growth and impact across Marin County.
The 2026 board transition marks an important milestone as Fire Safe Marin continues expanding its work to help residents and neighborhoods adapt to wildfire risk through education, partnership, and community-based action.
Stepping down from the Board of Directors are Jim Chayka, Deputy Director of Marin County Parks & Open Space; Larry Pasero, Deputy Fire Marshal with Kentfield Fire Protection District; Catherine Way, Larkspur City Councilmember and Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority Board Member; and Jason Weber, Fire Chief of Marin County Fire Department.
Each served Fire Safe Marin for five years or more, contributing time, expertise, and leadership to wildfire resilience efforts across Marin County. Their guidance helped strengthen the organization during a period of growing public awareness, deeper regional collaboration, and increased urgency around wildfire preparedness.
Fire Safe Marin extends special gratitude to Jim Chayka, who served multiple terms as Board President and most recently as Vice President. Jim helped guide the organization through a period of significant growth, strengthening partnerships, supporting program development, and broadening Fire Safe Marin’s reach across the county.
At the same time, Fire Safe Marin is pleased to welcome a new group of board members whose experience and perspectives will help lead the organization into its next chapter.
“We are excited to welcome new members representing important stakeholders in Marin’s wildfire resilience efforts,” said Todd Lando, Board President. “Their experience and insight will help guide Fire Safe Marin as we continue to expand our programs and partnerships.”
New members joining the Board of Directors include:
- Steve Burdo — San Anselmo Town Councilmember, Fire Safe Marin Community Ambassador, and Public Safety Communications Officer / PIO
- Sara Aminzadeh — Deputy Secretary at the California Natural Resources Agency, with expertise in advocacy, philanthropy, and state policy
- Jon Campo — Conservation Science Manager for Marin County Parks & Open Space, with expertise in land management, vegetation projects, and beneficial fire
- Chris Geul — Fire Inspector with Central Marin Fire Department and a specialist in fire prevention and community engagement
- Abe Roman — Fire Chief of the San Rafael Fire Department and President of the Marin County Fire Chiefs Association
A New Chapter Begins
Together, Fire Safe Marin’s Board of Directors reflects the cross-sector partnerships needed to reduce wildfire risk in Marin. By bringing together leaders in fire service, land management, public policy, communications, and local government, the board helps keep the organization’s work practical, collaborative, and grounded in community needs.
As Fire Safe Marin looks ahead, this leadership transition reflects both the strong foundation built by outgoing board members and the momentum created by new voices stepping forward. Fire Safe Marin remains focused on helping Marin residents build safer homes, stronger neighborhoods, and a more prepared future.
