After three decades of service as Executive Director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), Bill Webb has announced he will retire on December 31, 2025. Webb shared the news at a reception attended by members of the CFSI National Advisory Committee and longtime colleagues.
“A friend of mine recently summed up his career by saying you never have to work a day in your life if you enjoy what you’re doing,” Webb said in his remarks. “For the most part, those words describe how I feel about my work. I did not look at my days in the office as work, but more as an opportunity to serve others and by doing so, contribute a little something to the safety of our great nation.”
During his tenure, Webb worked with six Administrations and ten U.S. Fire Administrators. His leadership helped establish the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program in 2000, supported the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Academy, and advanced fire safety and prevention initiatives. His collaboration with the Congressional Fire Services Caucus helped maintain its bipartisan spirit and strengthen its effectiveness, leaving a lasting impact on the fire service community.
CFSI President Jim Estepp praised Webb’s contributions, citing President Harry Truman’s observation: “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.” He noted Webb’s steady leadership and influence in Washington. “At times a quiet force, Bill has undoubtedly proven himself as a pivotal fire service leader over the past 30 years, influencing important issues in Washington, DC, that have greatly benefited our nation’s fire and emergency services,” Estepp said. “We will miss his leadership.”
Estepp also announced that Michaela Campbell, currently CFSI’s Director of Government Affairs, will succeed Webb as Executive Director.
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