Leading Beyond and Outside the Rank

This session brings together a group of dynamic women leaders whose personal journeys have ventured outside the traditional rank and file hierarchy to achieve tremendous success in making a difference in helping to diversify and improve Canada’s fire service. FSWO Executive Director Susan Jones who shares a similar diverse background will be the session’s moderator and will focus on highlighting the panel’s various education ,work related and volunteer commitments that speak to the conference theme of “Building Leaders, Driving Change “ All panelists share in having diverse backgrounds and unique experiences that not only has benefitted the fire service industry but has also helped to Educate, Encourage and Empower other women to follow different career paths. The intent of bringing the panelists together is to show that leadership opportunities exist and can be developed in a variety of different ways as well as help promote the concept that there are several roles and functions beyond the traditional fire department work that contribute to the effectiveness of a successful career both within and outside the fire service.

Caitlin Burley, Director, Strategic Programs and Transportation (Social), Nuclear Waste Management Organization, Canada. Caitlin is responsible for implementing a number of strategic programs within the NWMO with a focus on social safety and public engagement. This work ensures that technical programs, including planning for the transportation of used nuclear fuel, are shaped with communities and reflective of public priorities and concerns. Caitlin also co-leads a grassroots group called the Women of NWMO and Friends that provides inclusive space for people to support each other and share successes and challenges. Prior to her tenure at NWMO, she worked with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines and was responsible for overseeing community wellbeing programs led by remote communities in Northern Ontario. Caitlin started her career in consulting where she managed stakeholder and Indigenous engagement programs on large infrastructures projects within Canada and overseas. She has a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Applied Science in Environmental Management, and accreditation from the International Association for Public Participation on consultation and dialogue.

Debbie Higgins is currently working as Deputy Fire Chief in a temporary capacity with Guelph Fire Services. Debbie recently retired from Toronto Fire Services, where she was responsible for finance and budgeting processes, labour relations, quartermaster, facilities, the TFS medical office, and providing professional support for the procurement and maintenance of both apparatus and equipment. Debbie has also held the portfolios of Fire Prevention and Public Education, Professional Development and Training, including Special Operations (HUSAR and CBRNE). Prior to her promotion to Deputy in 2010, Debbie spent eleven years as an Executive Officer for Toronto Fire, working in the Office of the Fire Chief. She also previously worked with the City of Mississauga as a Business Planner, where her work included various strategic projects for the Community Services department, including fire. Before joining the municipal sector, Debbie spent five years working as a consultant undertaking social planning studies, including feasibility studies, master plans, emergency response plans, marketing plans and organizational reviews.

​Debbie has a degree in Applied Geography from Ryerson University, and a certificate in Business from McMaster University. She is currently an Associate Director with the World Police and Fire Games Federation, and previously served three terms on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs. Debbie has been on the Board of FSWO for several years and currently serves as Treasurer.

Kelly is the first Dean of FESTI, (Fire and Emergency Training Institute). Responsible for the strategic plans, and operational goals of the school, Kelly focuses on establishing a strong ecosystem of diversity, inclusion and success. Over four years, Kelly has transformed FESTI into a learning organization with a culture of team support, student success and fun! Kelly holds a degree in Woman’s Studies as well as a Certificate in Adult Learning. As a certified EQI (Emotional Intelligence) Coach, she understands what it takes to get the best out of her people. Kelly is also a certified Crucial Learning Trainer with a specialization in high-risk conversations. Kelly’s energy and fun-loving personality along with her “say it how it is” attitude will have you on the edge of your seat as you learn what it takes to move from silence to action in a conversation.

Sarah Peto is an Acting Lieutenant II in Brandon Fire and Emergency Services with 23 years of service. Sarah was the second woman hired in her department and the first female officer. Sarah graduated from the Manitoba Emergency Services College in 2001. She obtained a 4 yr, BA in Applied Disaster and Emergency Services while working full time. Sarah is a committed and avid volunteer in the community, serving on the United Way executive board and Community Campaign Chair. Sarah has also led mental health wellness by spearheading peer support and debriefings in her department through her work with Project Resilience 911, a multi-agency first responder mental health resource group in the Brandon Area. This last year Sarah has collaborated with many amazing women to bring an organization of support, inclusion, and camaraderie to women in Western Canada to form Fire Service Women Central Provinces.

Tina Saryeddine is the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, an organization that has represented Canada's Fire Chiefs since 1909. In her role as the CAFC’s Executive Director, she has oversight of all CAFC operations and provides strategic and policy support to the Board of Directors. CAFC has close to 1000 members each year and a National Advisory Council of all provincial and territorial chief associations, as well as fire related national affiliate organizations.
Tina has a PhD in Health Services Management from the University of Toronto and an adjunct faculty appointment at the Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa where she had previously completed her Masters in Health Administration in 1998.

Prior to coming to the CAFC, Tina spent 20 years in the health sector with healthcare providers in regional and national associations having served as the Assistant Vice President Research and Policy Analysis at the Association of Canadian Academic Healthcare Organizations (ACAHO) and the Executive Director Research and Innovation when ACAHO merged with the Canadian Healthcare Association to form HealthCareCAN. Tina is a member of the Canadian College of Health Leaders from which she holds the Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation.

Susan Jones is retired from the City of Ottawa and was the former Acting Deputy City Manager of City Operations at the City responsible for overseeing several City departments. She has held a number of positions in her 37 year career in municipal government which included being the General Manager of Emergency and Protective Services for the City of Ottawa from 2009 to 2015 responsible for managing and directing the delivery of Fire, Paramedic, Corporate Security, Emergency Management, and By-law, Parking and Licensing operations. Susan has been a strong advocate and mentor to women in leadership roles, particularly in male dominated professions and is proud to have helped launch Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO), Camp FFIT (Female Fire Fighters in Training) and served on the FSWO board of directors. Susan was also an International Trustee with the International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services (iWomen).

Susan has a BA in Criminology from Carleton and was honored to receive the President’s Trailblazer Award in 2016 for her ongoing work and innovative leadership as an advocate for women in the first responder field. Susan is excited to continue working with FSWO as their Executive Director.