Gary Ludwig is recognized as a respected national fire and EMS leader, author, public speaker, and expert who has managed two award-winning metropolitan EMS systems (Memphis and St. Louis) and an ISO Class 1 fire department. He has pioneered many concepts which are now standard practice in fire and EMS systems today. Chief Ludwig has over 45 years of fire, rescue and EMS experience - and over 43 years’ experience as a paramedic. He currently serves as the fire chief of Champaign, Illinois and was President and Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs during the 2019-20 term. In 2022, he was appointed by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to the National Advisory Council for FEMA.