CFSI Executive Director Bill Webb Retires after Three Decades
Play more tunes on the guitar, discover more hiking trails and spend more time with the grandkids.
That’s what Bill Webb says that’s what he’ll do when he starts 2026 as the retired executive director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute.
“I just feel this is the time to move on to the next phase.”
Webb, who’s spent the past 30 years advocating on Capitol Hill for the nation’s fire and EMS personnel, said the organization is in great shape and he’s confident that the effort will continue.
“Michaela Campbell is doing an excellent job and is well respected. The Institute will thrive under her leadership. She’s made tremendous contributions already…”
He was quick to add that this is not a total separation from the fire service.
“I’ve made many, many friends over the years as we fought for legislation important to the fire service. I’m sure I’ll stay involved in some aspect.”
The 64-year-old, who has a passion for hiking, readily admits he was never a firefighter.
“The only fire I saw up close was at MFRI (Maryland Fire Rescue Institute).”
Webb credits his wife, Kate, for helping him get his foot in the door at CFSI.
“She was working in Curt Weldon’s office and learned CFSI was looking for an event coordinator.”
He got the job and for the next year, promoted the organization. Later, he thought he’d found his niche when he joined Paul Davis as an advocate for his Combat Challenge.
“I loved it. If the events hadn’t been on the weekends, I would have stayed. But, it wasn’t conducive for someone starting a family,” he said with a laugh.
As luck would have it, CFSI was looking for an executive director. The rest is history.
Webb pointed out the success on Capitol Hill was a collaborative effort by everyday firefighters and EMS crews as well as leaders and members of fire and emergency service organizations.
The tough challenges are far from over, but he’s confident those same advocates – under Campbell’s leadership – will weather the storm.
For the next three months, he’ll be right there with them sharing their heroic stories as well as their needs for equipment.
Come Jan.1, he’ll be lacing up his hiking boots.
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.