Ron Raley brings over five decades of fire management and forestry expertise to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. During his 35-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, he served as Deputy Director of Fire and Aviation Management in California, leading fire suppression efforts and managing a $270 million regional fire program. He has worked on numerous high-profile incidents, including the Hayman, Cerro Grande, and Big Bar Complex fires, as a Type I Incident Commander.

In addition to his federal service, Ron is the principal owner of Raley’s Forestry & Wildfire Management, providing consulting services on wildfire management and serving as an expert witness for major fire cases. His leadership includes contributions to the 2003 California Fire Siege Blue Ribbon Commission and serving as a principal architect of “The Story – The California Fire Siege 2003.”

Ron is a California Licensed Professional Forester and holds extensive certifications in fire suppression and management. With his lifelong dedication to wildfire safety and resource management, he brings invaluable expertise to support the Foundation’s mission of aiding wildland firefighters and their families.