Faculty Agenda

Dr. Hezedean Smith is a multi-credentialed Fire/EMS executive with a Doctor of Management degree in Organizational Leadership and more than 37 years of public safety experience. He is a military veteran and has served as Fire Chief in two fire departments after retiring as an Assistant Chief in the Orlando Fire Department. Dr. Smith is internationally recognized for his leadership in public safety, Fire/EMS system design, strategic planning, simulation, diversity and inclusion, and mixed-methods research. His accomplishments include modernizing fire-based EMS systems, leading ISO-1 accredited agencies, implementing transformational operational improvements, and conducting groundbreaking mental-health and EMS operations research across the Caribbean. As President of NEMSMA and CEO of GESCG, he continues to advance excellence in EMS leadership, education, and international disaster response.