The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has completed the election of its Board of Directors at its 2026 Annual Meeting, naming John Bonney as the organization’s new chair and confirming several board appointments.
Bonney, who has served on the NFPA Board since 2015 and previously held the role of first vice chair, was elected by the board during the meeting held June 22, 2026.
He brings more than three decades of fire and rescue leadership experience to the role. Bonney is a former president of the UK Chief Fire Officers Association and former chief fire officer of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. He has also held national resilience, governance and advisory roles in the United Kingdom and internationally, and was awarded a CBE in 2015 for services to the Fire and Rescue Service.
In his new position, Bonney will work with NFPA’s executive leadership team and board members to support the association’s work in fire, electrical and life safety worldwide.
Bonney succeeds Dave Paulison, a former administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. fire administrator, who is completing his second two-year term as board chair.
The board also elected its officer slate for the coming term. Roger Montembeault was named first vice chair, Butch Browning second vice chair, Lou Paulson secretary, Reggie Freeman treasurer, Denis Onieal assistant treasurer and Paulison immediate past chair.
NFPA members also elected one new board member and re-elected two others to three-year terms:
