Meet the Shasta County Fire Safe Council Team
We’re Dedicated to Your Fire Education, Prevention, and Safety
At the Shasta County Fire Safe Council, we’re more than a nonprofit—we’re your neighbors, advocates, and partners in wildfire prevention. Our team is committed to empowering you with the knowledge and resources needed to protect your home, family, and community.
Together, we’re building a fire-resilient Shasta County, one project, one partnership, and one prepared resident at a time.
Our Mission
We’re committed to building fire-resilient communities.
The Shasta County Fire Safe Council empowers our community with fire safety education and outreach. By reducing wildfire risks, protecting what matters, and fostering resilience, we’re building a safer future for our neighborhoods and communities.
Our Team
Your partners in wildfire prevention and safety.
Shasta County Fire Safe Council is here to empower you with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to protect your home and community. Whether it’s becoming Firewise, participating in our programs, or learning about wildfire preparedness, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.
Ron Rusten –
Executive Director
Ron.Rusten@shastafiresafe.org
Ron is a seasoned fire management professional with a 38-year career in the USDA Forest Service, where he gained extensive experience in fire management, including crew leadership, aviation coordination, and wildfire operations, ultimately retiring as the Northern California Coordination Center Manager. Following his retirement, he became the Executive Director of the Shasta County Fire Safe Council, where he applies his expertise to fire prevention, safety, and fuel mitigation efforts, helping to protect the community and enhance Shasta County’s fire resilience.
Favorite Thing About Shasta County:
Being close to some of the best outdoor recreation, and the community-based activities available.
Favorite Part of Your Job:
Being able to make a difference in our communities by making them more fire resilient.
Reach Out To Me If…
You want to learn more about SCFSC programs or opportunities for partnerships.
Barb March –
Executive Administrator
Shasta.FSC@shastafiresafe.org
Barb moved from the San Francisco Bay Area up to Northern California after 22 years on the Stanford University campus in the Dept of Plant Biology as a bookkeeper for 10 years, and the Dept of Chemistry as an Administrative Assistant for 12 years. She enjoyed working with professors, grad students, post-docs, and visiting scholars from all over the world. Now she is happy to support Shasta County Fire Safe Council administratively to grow and build a strong foundation.
Favorite Thing About Shasta County:
Hiking, lakes, boating, and fishing.
Favorite Part of Your Job:
Helping the Board members and staff grow and expand SCFSC’s communities to become more Firewise.
Reach Out To Me If…
You have general questions about SCFSC and need to be directed to the right team member.
Amanda Macon – County Coordinator
Amanda.Macon@shastafiresafe.org
Amanda is a permaculturist and sustainability educator with a background in Geography and GIS, specializing in land use and environmental planning. Over the past decade, she’s focused on living in connection with the landscape, fostering community resilience, and preparing for natural disasters through education and hands-on practice. As a versatile generalist, Amanda thrives in a range of roles, always driven by a passion for learning and helping others understand and apply knowledge to build safer, more sustainable communities.
Favorite Thing About Shasta County:
We are surrounded by some of the most diverse physiographic landscapes in the state.
Favorite Part of Your Job:
Helping people become Firewise certified and more prepared for wildfire.
Reach Out To Me If…
You need help with defensible space, preparing your home for wildfire, or becoming Firewise.
Lydia Shalberg – Outreach Coordinator
Lydia.Shalberg@shastafiresafe.org
Lydia has dedicated her career to empowering non-profits through content development, outreach, and event coordination. With over five years of experience in online marketing, she has supported both local and national organizations in amplifying their missions. Driven by a passion for connecting people, she creates meaningful impact through strategic and engaging campaigns.
Favorite Thing About Shasta County:
How close we are to some of the best outdoor recreation in the North State and the PNW.
Favorite Part of Your Job:
Meeting you at events and creating content that helps spread the Council’s fire safety mission.
Reach Out To Me If…
You have an upcoming event where you’d like us to share fire safety resources.
Doug Young –
Project Manager
Doug.Young@shastafiresafe.org
Doug grew up in Burney and has spent his life as a Shasta County resident. He retired from a career as a Wildland Firefighter with the United States Forest Service (USFS) in 2017. He has since dedicated his time to supporting wildland fire suppression and community defensible space efforts here in the North State. Doug attended Shasta Community College as well as Humboldt State University where he studied forest practices and wildland fire ecology. He has over 35 years of service and experience in the wildland fire arena.
Favorite Thing About Shasta County:
The abundant wildlife and recreational opportunities on our publicly accessible lands.
Favorite Part of Your Job:
Meeting and educating people on our role in creating defensible space as well as the historical role of fire in ecology.
Reach Out To Me If…
You have questions about our free county-wide chipping program or Shingletown drop off site.
Pamela Bates –
Project Manager
Pam.Bates@shastafiresafe.org
Pam has been with the Council for over 3 years. She has a background in Environmental Science and project management. Her primary focus has been leading the Shasta County Home Hardening Initiative, a State pilot program designed to harden homes and create defensible space in our county’s highest fire-risk areas. As a long-time resident of rural Shasta County, Pam is very passionate about helping homeowners prepare for wildfire and making their homes more fire resilient.
Favorite Thing About Shasta County:
Small-town feel with nice people and endless outdoor recreation opportunities.
Favorite Part of Your Job:
Helping Shasta County residents become more fire safe and working alongside an amazing team of hardworking committed people.
Reach Out To Me If…
You’re interested in the home hardening and defensible space programs.
Bob Wilson –
Construction Manager
Bob.Wilson@shastafiresafe.org
Bob has been a licensed building contractor since 1978, bringing decades of expertise and craftsmanship to every project he undertakes. Known for his dedication and attention to detail, he has built a reputation as a trusted professional in the industry. Outside of work, Bob enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, whether it’s casting a line while fishing or exploring the wilderness on a hunting trip.
Favorite Thing About Shasta County:
The outdoor recreational opportunities.
Favorite Part of Your Job:
Helping Shasta County residents with home hardening so they are better prepared for wildfires.
Reach Out To Me If…
You have questions about a home hardening construction project through the Shasta County Fire Safe Council.
Kim Hanagan –
Project Assistant
Kim.Hanagan@shastafiresafe.org
Kim retired from the State Water Resources Control Board as a Supervising Engineer for the Division of Drinking Water. She enjoyed supporting public drinking water systems in Northern California and across the State. She also worked for Caltrans in Redding for several years. She is happy to support the Shasta Fire Safe Council as a project assistant, working part-time.
Favorite Thing About Shasta County:
Access to the rivers, lakes and mountains.
Favorite Part of Your Job:
Working with everyone at the Shasta Fire Safe Council and Western Shasta RCD on meaningful programs.
Reach Out To Me If…
You need help tracking down some information about the CWMP