The Board of Directors of the Shasta County Fire Safe Council represent the guiding force behind the organization’s mission to enhance community safety and resilience in the face of wildfire threats. Comprising of dedicated individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, the Board is entrusted with shaping strategies, setting priorities, and fostering collaborative efforts that empower our communities to mitigate the risks posed by wildfires. With a shared commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and ecosystems, the Board of Directors exemplifies the spirit of proactive engagement and steadfast leadership needed to address the growing challenges of wildfire management and prevention.
For questions about the Board or individual Directors, please email shasta.fsc@shastafiresafe.org
Barb Holder
Chair, Board of Directors
Term: 2024 – Present
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Barbara is a Professional Forester and Wildlife Biologist with 30+ years in natural resource management. She owns 20 forested acres, focusing on forest health and fuels reduction. With a BS from Cal Poly and a Master’s and teaching credential from SDSU, she worked 27 years for the US Forest Service, holding roles like Forest Supervisor on the Klamath. Now in Shasta County, she aims to help mitigate wildfire threats.
Alan Olson
Vice Chair
Term: 2024 – Present
Alan Douglas Olson has 38 years of experience in natural resource management. He served as Regional Planning Director for the USDA Forest Service (2014-2024), leading strategic planning, NEPA compliance, and environmental analysis. He’s held roles like Acting Deputy Regional Forester and Ecosystem Management Director, focusing on wildfire resilience and conservation efforts. Alan holds an MS in Natural Resources Management.
Norm Rogers
Secretary / Treasurer
Term: 2024 – Present
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Norm Rogers has called Shasta County home for nearly 15 years. He holds an AA in Business Management, a BA in Accounting from Gonzaga University, and a Master’s in Taxation. With 44 years in accounting roles like Tax Manager and Treasurer in the Pacific Northwest, Norm’s dedication to a safer community stems from being evacuated three times in 12 months, starting with the Carr Fire.
Frances Belden
Director
Term: 2020 – Present
Fran’s journey into forestry began with her husband, George E. Belden, and a Forestry class he taught at Shasta College. Through their marriage, she gained insight into forest management and fire suppression. Fran assisted George for five years as his secretary when he led the California Tree Farm Committee. They later managed their own 160-acre Tree Farm.
Julie Driver
Director
Term: 2024 – Present
Julie has called Shasta County home since 2013. After spending her career dedicated to non-profit development, she has retired and enjoys al the beauty this region has to offer. Julie currently works with organizations to promote defensible space and Firewise education, helping both individuals and communities stay safe from wildfires.
Richard Karem
Director
Term: 2021 – Present
Richard has lived in Shasta County since 1985, with over 30 years in the Urban/Wildland interface in Old Shasta. A physician by trade, he’s focused on fire safety after experiencing 6 fires, including the Carr Fire. He’s worked on fuels reduction projects on his property and with neighbors, Whiskeytown Park, and BLM, aiming to reduce wildfire vulnerability.
Jim Chapin
Director
Term: 2020 – Present
Jim, a Registered Professional Forester since 1963, has extensive experience in resource planning and management for private landowners, government agencies, and industry. His expertise spans environmental planning, wildlife and fuels management, recreation planning, timber inventory and appraisal, as well as timber harvest planning, supervision, and land management planning.
Mary Rickert
Director
Term: 2025 – Present
Mary has over 40 years of experience in agriculture and community leadership. As co-owner of Western Agricultural Services since 1981, she manages 28,000 acres across three counties and is a managing partner of Prather Ranch, a vertically integrated beef operation. Mary is a member of the California Chapter of ASFMRA and has served in roles such as Shasta County Farm Service Agency Chair, Shasta County Supervisor (2016-2024), and on the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.