IFSS Election

Candidate for At-Large Board Member

Thom Jones, Supervisor, Hayden and Company Fire and Safety

My name is Thomas Jones, and I am seeking election as an at-large board member for the Industrial Fire and Safety Section. I currently serve as fire chief of Madisonville Fire and Rescue in Madisonville, Texas, and as a territory manager for Hayden and Company Fire and Safety. I have more than 43 years of experience as an instructor, firefighter, and sales professional in both municipal and industrial fire service.

I began teaching firefighting foam classes at Texas A&M Fire School 36 years ago and continue to teach there today. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology – Fire Protection and Safety Technology from Oklahoma State University. My career has included roles as a fire protection specialist and positions in the manufacturing and distribution of fire protection products.

I previously served as an at-large board member and would welcome the opportunity to serve again.

Thank you for your consideration.

Candidate for At-Large Board Member

Charles Sellards, Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security Manager, Stepan Company

I am seeking election as an at-large board member to support the Industrial Fire and Safety Section’s mission of advancing industrial fire protection, emergency management, and safety.

I currently serve as environmental, health, safety, and security manager at Stepan Company’s chemical manufacturing facility in Winder, Ga. In this role, I oversee emergency response teams, fire protection systems, emergency preparedness, hazardous materials response planning, and regulatory compliance.

With more than 30 years of experience, I have built and led emergency response teams with all-hazards capabilities, including fire, hazardous materials, technical rescue, emergency medical response, and incident management.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology, a Master of Science in Loss Prevention and Safety, and multiple professional certifications, including CFO, CSP, CBCP, and IERS.

I am committed to active participation, supporting section initiatives, and strengthening the technical leadership and growth of IFSS.

Candidate for At-Large Board Member

Richard Setzer, Setzer Industries LLC

Richard Setzer has 49 years of experience in industrial fire protection, safety, environmental management, and emergency response, including three years at the federal response level with the U.S. EPA Technical Assistance Team.

He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1980, specializing in industrial fire protection. While attending the university, he worked for the Texas Engineering Extension Service at Brayton Fire School, where he trained industrial and marine firefighters.

Following graduation, Setzer entered the petrochemical industry, progressing from shift emergency coordinator to manager of safety and health. He later moved into the oil, gas, and refining industry, spending 22 years in key emergency response roles for the world’s largest oil and gas company. These roles included offshore emergency response coordinator, hazardous materials coordinator, WMD coordinator, fire training chief, planning and technical advisor, and special operations advisor to the fire protection department manager.

Setzer has earned numerous professional certifications and designations, including Certified Fire Protection Specialist (NFPA), Registered Environmental Manager (NREP), Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (NAFI), and Fire Service Trainer III (Pro Board). He has served on multiple national and international boards and committees related to safety, fire protection, and emergency response.

He has also consulted on the design, construction, and operation of fire training facilities in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, including two major fire training centers in Saudi Arabia featuring some of the world’s largest industrial simulators.

Candidate for At-Large Board Member

Lee R. Hall, CFPS, Associate Division Director, TEEX

Lee Hall is a senior leader in industrial safety, emergency response, and fire service, with more than 30 years of experience across municipal, industrial, and private sector operations. He currently serves as associate division director for the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), where he oversees programs within the Emergency Services Training Institute (ESTI), including private sector fire training, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, international initiatives, and curriculum certification and evaluation.

Hall previously served as fire chief for the Limetree Bay Refinery and Valero Refinery in Meraux, La., where he led emergency response operations in high-risk industrial environments. He also spent 12 years as private sector program director for TEEX–ESTI and held leadership roles with Williams Fire and Hazard Control and Nation Foam as fire readiness manager. A central focus of Hall’s career has been ensuring emergency responders are prepared for incidents involving firefighting foam and complex industrial hazards. His commitment to readiness, safety, and effective response has established him as a respected authority in the field.

Hall holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Service Management and is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) through the National Fire Protection Association. He is also certified as an Industrial Emergency Response Specialist through TEEX and holds a master’s firefighter certification from the Texas State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association. Additional qualifications include NIMS certifications and multiple Pro Board certifications.