International Fire Suppression Alliance Appoints Paul Sincaglia, P.E. As The Organization’s First Full-Time Managing Director

Following an exhaustive search, the International Fire Suppression Alliance (IFSA) has announced that Paul Sincaglia, P.E. will become the organization’s first full-time Managing Director, effective from March 1, 2020. A fire protection engineering graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Paul brings a broad range of experience to the IFSA.

Fire safety industry veteran

Most recently, he has served as Director of Industrial, Fire and Life Safety for Osborn Engineering in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to that he was the Vice President of Engineering for Efectis USA, where he launched fire protection engineering and code consulting services in North America and supported Efectis’ business units in Europe and the Middle East.

Altogether, Paul Sincaglia has over 25 years of experience as a Managing Design Professional, Fire Ground Officer and Code Enforcement Official. He is well aware of the obstacles in areas where the regulatory infrastructure, limited workforce, and cultural norms have not yet accepted the adoption of water-based suppression as the best and most reliable means of improving fire-related life safety and property protection.

Commenting on his appointment, IFSA’s Managing Director, Paul Sincaglia, P.E. said, “I recognize that this position is a one-of-a kind opportunity to lead an organization that fosters and grows the use of water-based fire protection technologies across the world.”

Frameworks promoting use of water-based fire protection

Having served on the search committee, I am very excited that Paul has agreed to take over the helm of the IFSA"

He adds, “Based on my past domestic and international work experience, I know that formal and informal education, the presentation of technical research, and good faith negotiations with the design, construction, insurance and regulatory communities are the stepping stones to wider recognition and adoption of the frameworks that promote the use of water-based fire protection.”

Russell (Russ) Fleming, who has served as a part-time IFSA Managing Director, since stepping down in 2015 from the Presidency of National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), will continue for a year as part-time Technical Director and Secretary to assist with the transition.

Russ welcomed Paul to the organization, stating “Having served on the search committee, I am very excited that Paul has agreed to take over the helm of the IFSA. He brings an enormous amount of talent and experience to the position, and the IFSA will benefit greatly from taking the important step of hiring a full-time Managing Director to lead the organization into the future.”