Over the last month, the Board has been pouring over the many resumes’ that were received for consideration from fire professionals all over the state to serve as the next Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of Fire Chief’s.

After much deliberation, the Board has chosen Scott Burnette as our next Executive Director starting July 1, 2024. Over the next twelve weeks, Scott will work with Wes Hutchins to ensure a smooth transition into his new role.

Scott Burnette started in the fire service as a volunteer firefighter with the Mills River Fire Department in 1988. He also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Fairgrounds Fire Department while he was a student at NC State. He became a career firefighter with the City of Asheville Fire Department in 1995. He has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Protection Technology from Gaston College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Safety Engineering Technology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Master’s Degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He worked his way through the ranks in Asheville and was promoted to Fire Chief in 2009 and retired in 2023.

The Board would like to thank Wes Hutchins for his pivotal role during his tenure as our Executive Director. We wish him all the best in his retirement.