Thomas C. Ewald

About Thomas C. Ewald

AboutAccomplished executive-level Chief Fire Officer (retired) and National Advisor with four decades of leadership experience, combining refined administrative capabilities with robust operational expertise. Supports clients with real estate development assets, including commercial, residential, hospitality, aviation and health systems, to prepare for climate impacts and other emergency situations. A committed public safety professional, recognized for perseverance, strategic foresight, and a results-oriented approach across high-stakes environments.A tenacious problem-solver with exceptional interpersonal communication skills, adept at fostering collaboration across organizations, sectors, and jurisdictions. Equally comfortable advising senior government officials or working side-by-side with technical teams and frontline personnel, bringing people together to solve complex challenges.Proven leader and dedicated team builder, known for delivering vision, creativity, analytical reasoning, and pragmatic decision-making. Successfully drives change, champions innovation, and sustains operational excellence through a combination of strategic insight and common sense.Widely regarded as a trusted response partner and advisor to local, state, and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, private industry, and international entities. Brings a deep, field-tested understanding of crisis prevention, emergency preparedness, disaster response, humanitarian relief, and recovery operations.A lifelong learner fueled by academic inquiry and professional development, with a passion for civil protection, organizational leadership, and public policy. This unique blend of education, management experience, and field operations has produced a balanced, forward-thinking fire service executive, ideally equipped to navigate and lead through the evolving challenges of public safety.

Experience

1. National Advisor

   Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

   Sep 2025 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   Integrated public safety innovations with consulting and legal services at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. • Collaborated with various business units to enhance client service delivery. • Developed tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of clients across all business sector.

Education

• Harvard Kennedy School

  Senior Executives in State and Local Government, Government

  2018

• University of Silicon Valley

  Bachelor's Degree, Fire Prevention Administration

  2000 — 2011

• USC Sol Price School of Public Policy

  Master's Degree, Executive Leadership

  2011 — 2012

• University of Southern California / Los Angeles County

  Executive Leadership Development Program, Executive Leadership in Local Government

  2015

Skills

• Emergency Services
• Fire Investigation
• Strategy Execution
• First Responder
• Fire Service
• Disaster Response
• Nims
• Rescue
• Life Safety
• Emergency Management
• Incident Command
• Urban Search
• Fire Protection
• Federal Grant Management
• Public Safety
• Fire Safety
• Change Management
• Firefighting
• Hazardous Materials
• Fire Management
• Fire Suppression Systems
• Homeland Security
• Technical Rescue
• Leadership Development
• Ems
• Public Speaking
• Preparedness
• International Disaster Response
• Public Policy
• Disaster Risk Reduction
• Leadership
• Wildland Fire
• Strategic Planning
• Weapons of Mass Destruction