Joanne Hayes-White My Women's History Month honoree today from the fi re service is a native of San Francisco, California who grew-up to become the Chief of the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD). Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White began her career with the SFFD in 1990 and is widely regarded not only for her outstanding accomplishments during her own fi re service career, but also for her willingness to step forward in support of the careers of other women fi re fi ghters. Chief Hayes-White and I fi rst met at a Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) Conference shortly after she was appointed as Fire Chief. There was little doubt in my mind that she would have a successful experience in that role. Looking back on Joanne's career provides a snapshot into her drive and determination. She promoted to Lieutenant in 1993 and to Captain in 1996. Shortly after becoming a Captain, Joanne was made an Acting Battalion Chief responsible for Dispatch and Communications. She promoted to Assistant Deputy Chief of Support Services in 1998 and then spent four years as the SFFD Training Director until becoming Fire Chief in 2004. As I said...drive and determination! Chief Hayes-White spent a total of 29 years in the SFFD - and 15 of those were as Fire Chief. That is about three times the average tenure of a Metropolitan (large city) Fire Chief in this day and age. In addition to being a member of several state and national fi re service organizations, Chief Hayes-White was an active member of the San Francisco community. Those who follow politics know that San Francisco is not a timid city politically. When public con fl icts occurred that involved the fi re department, as they tend to do from time to time, Joanne stepped-up and used her strong leadership and management abilities to resolve the situation and move the organization forward. Chief Hayes-White had many achievements and received a number of awards and recognitions during her career, but there are two HR things accomplished on her watch that stand out to me: 1) upon her retirement, the SFFD employed more than 250 women in their fi re fi ghting/EMS force; and 2) a large number of fi re fi ghters - men and women- speak multiple languages in the SFFD. Those are both truly outstanding accomplishments! It is my pleasure to acknowledge the career of my friend Retired Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White - and to highlight her during this 2021 Women's History Month. She leaves behind a lot to be proud of! Comments from Readers of the March 2021 Women’s History Month Features that Highlighted Women from the Fire and Emergency Services “I can honestly say that I’ve been inspired a great number of times this month reading these features. I am humbled to serve alongside these exceptional leaders.” My Women’s History Month fire service honoree today is a native of San Francisco, California, who grew-up to become the chief of the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD). Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White began her career with the SFFD in 1990 and is widely regarded not only for her outstanding accomplishments during her own fire service career, but also for her willingness to step forward in support of the careers of other women firefighters. Joanne and I first met at a Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) conference shortly after she was appointed as fire chief. There was little doubt in my mind that she would have a successful experience in that role. Looking back on Joanne’s career provides a snapshot into her drive and determination. She was promoted to lieutenant in 1993 and to captain in 1996. Shortly after becoming a captain, Joanne was made an acting battalion chief responsible for dispatch and communications. She advanced to assistant deputy chief of support services in 1998 and then spent four years as the SFFD training director until becoming fire chief in 2004. As I said...drive and determination! Joanne spent a total of 29 years in the SFFD and 15 of those were as fire chief. That is about three times the average tenure of a metropolitan fire chief in this day and age.
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