Who We Are

 

The Wildfire Industry Collective (WIC) is a non-profit business league founded by former wildland firefighters and industry professionals. Born from the urgency to address one of the most pressing issues of our time - wildfires, WIC aspires to make tangible changes.

Wildfire management is in need of modernization. Change comes by providing wildland firefighters with advanced equipment, innovative products, and state-of-the-art services. 21st-century solutions mean better planning tools for fire prevention, mitigation, and preparedness. These advancements not only benefit the firefighters but also safeguard the communities and natural resources they protect from wildfires.

WIC's multifaceted mission includes safeguarding federal discretionary budgets related to wildfires, and ensuring firefighters have access to necessary tools, products, and services each season. Simultaneously, WIC seeks to bridge the communication gap between industry and federal and state customers, fostering a dialogue platform for knowledge exchange and addressing concerns.

Crucial to WIC's approach is its emphasis on collective action. By uniting stakeholders from local communities to federal offices, industry leaders, and frontline firefighters, WIC enhances mutual understanding and collaboration. This unity aims to spur innovation, encourage best practices, and effectively tackle the escalating wildfire challenges.

At its core, WIC is a proactive collective committed to championing a unified response to one of the most formidable challenges we face today.

  • Proactive Solutions

    WIC offers a unified and proactive approach to the escalating issue of wildfires.

  • Resource Protection

    WIC is committed to safeguarding federal discretionary budgets for wildfires, ensuring essential, cutting-edge tools, products, and services are consistently available for firefighters each season.

  • Communication Facilitator

    Acting as a bridge between the wildfire industry and federal/state customers, WIC fosters an interactive platform for knowledge exchange and resolution.

  • Collective Action

    WIC firmly believes in the power of unification. By bringing together stakeholders from local communities to federal offices, industry leaders, and frontline firefighters, we aim to enhance innovation, promote best practices, and improve wildfire management.

  • Unified Advocacy

    Above all, WIC is committed to championing a collective, proactive response against the formidable challenges of wildfire management, aimed at boosting the preparedness and resilience of all involved parties.

Jonathon Golden

eXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jonathon is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in wildland fire, emergency management, and conservation advocacy, spanning both public and private sectors.

As the founder and Executive Director of the Wildfire Industry Collective, a non-profit business league dedicated to supporting wildland firefighters and the industry as a whole, he is deeply committed to the welfare of wildland firefighters, natural resources, and the communities that rely on both. Leveraging his boots-on the-ground expertise, strategic communication skills, and understanding of the policy space, Jonathon consistently secures desired outcomes for his clients. His work focuses on advancing tangible international and domestic conservation objectives on behalf of NGOs, tech start-ups, and Fortune 500 companies, forging strong partnerships with state and federal government agencies, legislatures, community leaders, and other stakeholders.

Jonathon holds a master's degree in international studies from the University of Washington and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Oregon State University with a degree in political science.

LuKe Mayfield

Director of Operations

Luke Mayfield is a seasoned veteran in the wildland fire domain, boasting over two decades of unrivaled expertise in fire management, emergency response, conservation, and advocacy initiatives.

Fueled by a deep-seated commitment to the welfare of wildland firefighters, natural resources, and the communities that depend on them, Luke has been a persistent force for good. Currently, he helms the Fire Program at Mystery Ranch Backpacks while also presiding over the Grassroots Wildland Firefighters organization.

With an unyielding focus on optimizing comfort for wildland firefighters amidst the toughest conditions, Luke is a champion for their wellbeing. He continually strives for comprehensive strategies that prioritize the frontline fighters, safeguard communities, and preserve the rich heritage and advantages of public lands. His vision is one of holistic solutions, where every stakeholder benefits, and no one is left behind.

Michelle Hart

Director of Development

Michelle Hart has been indirectly involved with wildfire for the last 8 years since she met and married her husband, Tim Hart.  Tim was a career wildland firefighter who died from injuries sustained on a fire in New Mexico in 2021.  Since that time Michelle has advocated for wildland firefighters at the federal legislative level, culminating in “Tim’s Act” being introduced in Congress in 2021 and again in 2023.

With a fierce commitment to bettering the conditions of firefighters, Michelle continues to speak about her experience and the issues facing wildland firefighters in front of legislators and federal agencies.  She continues to push for a national conversation about the issues facing our federal wildland firefighters and works to improve their pay and wellbeing.

Michelle works in the natural resources industry and holds a Master’s Degree in Business from the University of Findlay and a Master’s of Financial Planning from the University of Alabama.