Our Executive
Chief Executive Officer
Nick Easy
BSc , Post Grad Environmental Management
Nick became the MFB’s Chief Executive Officer on 6 June 2011 joining the organisation from the Port of Melbourne Corporation. He previously worked in local government in planning roles.
At the Port of Melbourne Corporation, Nick was the senior executive responsible for the channel deepening project –a major Victorian infrastructure project that was completed ahead of schedule and delivered $250 million under the project budget of $969 million -and has acted in the Chief Executive role on many occasions.
With a Bachelor of Applied Science Planning (RMIT 1988), Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management (Deakin 1994), Nick took on the CEO role at a time when it MFB is preparing itself for the many challenges the growing Melbourne community presents
Executive Director People and Culture
Danielle Byrnes
BA, MIR, FAHRI. GAICD
Danielle was appointed Executive Director, People and Culture in December 2010. This role leads all the MFB’s human resources functions including employee relations; health, safety and wellbeing; operational training, human resources services and organisation development.
Danielle joined MFB after 20 years HR experience in public and private sector organisations including 15 years at executive level. She commenced her career in the resources sector.
She has led the human resources function in organisations including ACCIONA Energy, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Australian Unity, Yallourn Energy and Western Health.
Executive Director Corporate Services
Russell Eddington
BBus (Acc), CPA, MBus (Info Tech), MAICD
Russell joined the MFB in December 2010 in the role of Executive Director Corporate Services and Chief Finance Officer. His responsibilities include Finance, Information Technology, Asset Management and Procurement.
Russell has previously held a range of senior corporate roles at South East Water Limited including General Manager Corporate Services, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Information Officer and Company Secretary. He previously held other senior roles in Finance and Information Systems in the Water Industry.
Acting Executive Director Strategy and Innovation
James Holyman
MBA, GradDip Risk Mgt, BBus (Acc), BA EnvDes, GAICD
James is the Acting Executive Director Strategy and Innovation. James was apponted as Executive Manager Strategy and Innovation at MFB in August 2010. Prior to this, James came to the MFB after fifteen years with CFA working within Operations, Human Resources and Strategic Planning.
The focus of the Strategy and Innovation Directorate is the development of organisational strategy and business performance, innovation, corporate sustainability, corporate relations, project management including the management of major projects.
Executive Director Organisational Learning and Development
Peter Rau
Grad Dip BA, Assoc Dip Applied Science (Fire Tech), Ad Dip Firefighting Management, GIFireE, GAICD
Peter is the Executive Director Organisational Learning and Development.
Prior to this, Peter was the Executive Director Strategy and Innovation and the Director Operations Support with MFB, after a 26-year career with CFA.
The focus of the Organisational Learning and Development is operational training, in particular the structure and adequacy of training with respect to core business
Regional Director North West Metro Region
Paul Stacchino
MBA, Ad Dip Public Safety (Community Safety), Ad Dip Public Safety (Emergency Mgt), Dip Firefighting Management, AFAIM, GIFireE, GAICD
Paul joined MFB in December 2010 after serving 23 years with CFA. He has also worked in fire services in NSW and North America.
Paul leads MFB’s service delivery to the North West Metro Region which covers the Northern, Western and Central suburbs of Melbourne, inclusive of industrial areas and incorporating 27 Major Hazard Facilities as well as a growing residential component.
The region comprises a large multicultural population, several major airports and hospitals, the CBD and port and harbour facilities. There are 1100 operational and corporate staff in three district offices and 29 fire stations, with 54 appliances providing 24/7 fire and emergency services to 2.2 million citizens across 13 municipalities.
Executive Director Emergency Management and Chief Fire Officer
Shane Wright, AFSM
M. Bus, Grad Dip BA, Assoc Dip Applied Science (Fire Tech), Grad EFOP (USA), MIFireE
Shane, who has been with MFB since 1981, is responsible for ensuring that MFB meets its statutory requirements in terms of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. As the operational head of MFB, Shane has responsibility for operational and community safety policy, planning, strategy and performance standards.
Regional Director South East Metro Region
David Youssef
Grad Cert Applied Mgt, Ad Dip Firefighting Management, Dip Project Mgt, MIFireE
David joined the MFB as a recruit fire fighter in 1985, after serving for a number of years as an SES volunteer. During his 27 year career he has undertaken lengthy and rewarding placements with Civil Aviation Authority – Rescue Fire Fighting Service, Brampton Fire Department, Ontario, Canada, and the Victorian Department of Justice.
David commands MFB’s service delivery to the South East Metro Region which covers the Southern and Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The region comprises a large diverse population with several major hospitals, public transport infrastructure, major arterial roads and an airport.