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Staff Directory

The dedicated staff of the Shasta County Fire Safe Council forms the heart of the organization's tireless efforts to create safer and more resilient communities in the face of escalating wildfire threats. Comprising of a diverse team of professionals, the staff plays a pivotal role in translating the Council's vision into tangible action.
 

Pam Bates - Executive Officer 
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Pam moved to Shasta County in 1993 and has lived on 23 acres in Bella Vista since
arriving here. She holds a BS in Environmental Science and her professional
experience includes primarily project management (at CH2M Hill) and environmental
regulatory compliance. Pam has also owned and operated a small business for many
years which has given her a strong understanding of accounting, planning, and sound
business practices. Most recently, she worked for a large nonprofit in Redding,
providing support in the finance and fund development departments. Living in a remote,
high-risk, fire prone area, and having been evacuated several times, she understands
the need for making our communities less vulnerable to devastating wildfires. She is
committed to serving her Shasta County neighbors by helping to build a strong and
effective nonprofit organization that can secure funds, build strong partnerships, and
successfully implement fuel reduction and other fire safe projects.

Ron Rusten - County Coordintor 

Ron, a native Californian, brings a wealth of experience from his 38-year career as a dedicated U.S.D.A. Forest Service firefighter. His remarkable journey led him to the position of Center Manager at the Northern California Coordination Center in Redding, California, where he spent the latter part of his career. Ron's fire service tenure included assignments on various National Forests in both Northern and Southern California, and he held a range of Fireline incident qualifications. Notably, he served as a Situation Unit Leader on a California Incident Management Team and spent 12 years as the Aviation Coordinator for the Southern California Coordination Center.

Ron holds an Associates of Arts degree in Wildland Fire Science from Lassen College in Susanville, California. His expertise extends to fuels management, where he played a pivotal role in defining fuel treatment areas, drafting burn plans, and maintaining a qualification as a Burn Boss Level 2.

In 2013, Ron and his wife relocated to Redding, embarking on a new chapter in their lives. Today, they relish their time traveling, cherishing moments with their seven children and eight grandchildren, and actively participating in their local church.

Robert Wilson - Construction Manager CWMP 

Construction Manager for the California Wildfire Mitigation Program, Whitmore Demonstration Project.

Barbara March - Executive Administrative Assistant 

Executive Administrative Assistant