John Storm is a Vice President (Western Region) for GovHR USA, to which he brings considerable experience in Public Safety/Fire Department management. He has 30 years experience leading and managing fire departments with the Village of Wilmette, Illinois, and the City of Maricopa Fire and Medical Department in Maricopa, Arizona, one of the fastest growing cities in Arizona. John has vast experience at the executive staff level in operations, fire prevention and resource management. His duties included overseeing vehicle purchases, construction of a new administrative building, remodeling fire stations and equipment procurements. He was tasked with revamping the Fire Prevention/Community Services division at the Maricopa Fire & Medical Department. He brought in new technology and software to better address the needs of the city and community. Additionally, he helped create a success plan previously non-existent in the division. Operationally he worked on numerous projects to provide the most effective and efficient public safety service possible. John has a vast background in labor management and negotiations, successfully completing multiple contracts and MOU’s. He also has experience in executive recruitment, mentoring and management consulting with other agencies and municipal governments throughout the country.
John was selected by the International Association of Fire Chiefs as one of their representatives to join the FEMA Peer Review Panels for the AFG, SAFER, and Fire Prevention and Safety grants. He has authored millions of dollars in federal grant funding, as well as consulted on many more successful grants. His background includes extensive experience developing and administering policies for municipal fire departments as well as the administration of grants, the CFAI Accreditation process, N.F.P.A. Standards, ISO Ratings and employee contract negotiations. In addition, he has experience in analyzing the economic impact of new development on municipal services and in the development of Mission and Vision statements.
John combines his career in executive leadership in the fire service with exceptional federal grant writing skills. John has written numerous successful federal grants for communities in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Maine and Virginia. He has also served on FEMA Peer Review Panels, giving him unique insight into successful proposals.
Mr. Storm is a graduate of Benedictine University majoring in Management and has a Masters degree in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University. He also has numerous chief certifications and designations from Illinois and has attended the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.
Professional Education, Training and Instruction
- Bachelor’s degree in Management, Benedictine University, IL
- Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration, Northwestern University, IL
- National Fire Academy, MD
- Chief Fire Officer, IL
Memberships and Affiliations
- International Association of Fire Chiefs
- Western Fire Chiefs Association
Local Government Professional Background:
Over 30 years of experience in Public Safety Management
- Assistant Fire Chief City of Maricopa Fire & Medical Department, AZ 2014 – 2020
- Acting Shift Commander/Lieutenant, Village of Wilmette, IL 2004 – 2014
