Fire Board

1st Four (4) Year Term 2024 - 2029

Benjamin Ward is a Lake Tahoe native who attended Zephyr Cove Elementary and George Whittell High School before earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Ben’s career has focused on engineering, manufacturing, and technology, including 9 years at Tesla, where he helped develop and optimize advanced manufacturing and test systems for the company’s powertrain and energy divisions. He later founded an engineering consultancy that works with companies to innovate and improve efficiencies.

After spending time working in different parts of the world, Ben and his wife, Melissa, have now permanently returned to Lake Tahoe to be part of the community they love. He enjoys spending time traveling, skiing, snowmobiling, biking, and diving.

Ben is honored to serve as a trustee on the Tahoe-Douglas Fire Protection District Board and looks forward to contributing to the community in this role.

John and his wife, Teddi, relocated to Stateline 11 years ago after both retired. John brings over 30 years of experience in municipal fire service, having progressed through five ranks, including 12 years as Fire Chief. Reflecting on his career, John has shared, "I love the fire service! I would have worked for free if someone had paid my bills." He holds an associate degree in Fire Technology and a bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach. Additionally, John has earned certifications as a Fire Officer, Chief Officer, and Hazardous Materials Technician, along with a teaching credential. Throughout his career, he enjoyed teaching courses on strategic planning, personnel evaluations, technical writing, hazardous materials, and building construction. In his personal life, John cherishes time with his four grandchildren and enjoys trout fishing, attending concerts, reading novels, watching golf, and traveling. As a newly elected member of the Tahoe-Douglas Fire Protection District Board of Trustees, John is eager to apply his extensive knowledge, skills, and experience to serve the citizens of the Tahoe Township. 1st Four (4) Year Term 2024 - 2029

A lifelong resident of Tahoe Township and K-12 graduate of Douglas County’s Lake Schools, Johnson’s exposure to Tahoe-Douglas Fire started early with parents of his closest childhood friends being employees of the Fire District. His interest in the fire service grew from his experiences in becoming an Eagle Scout. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Santa Clara University and competed as a student-athlete. He is a past Chair of the Nevada State Board of Equalization, a position to which he was appointed by Governor Brian Sandoval. Community involvement includes having served on various local boards, task forces and committees. Professionally, Johnson is a commercial real estate appraiser and consultant. You can find him inside the local CrossFit Gym or outside on the ski hill, trails, lake or beach with his wife, Cathy, and two young children. Always interested in hearing from the community, he encourages the sharing of thoughts, ideas or concerns related to the Fire District. 1st Four (4) Year Term 2023 – 2027

Originally from Canandaigua, New York , Stacy received her Bachelors Degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management from Purdue University in 1995. She then pursued a career in Hospitality that began in Atlantic City, New Jersey, which took her to Council Bluffs, Iowa and Las Vegas, Nevada, where she was transferred to Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Little did she know, at that point that, Douglas County would forever be her home. In 2007 she joined the team at Lakeside Inn and Casino and remained there as it’s President until its closure and sale after the Pandemic. Stacy served on The Barton Memorial Hospital Foundation Board, The Tahoe Chamber, and was a Commissioner on the Douglas County Planning Commission. Now retired, she remains passionate about serving her community and ran for election to TDFPD to fulfill that need. Stacy and her husband Richard have raised 6 children. Five of whom attended George Whittell High School. Almost an empty nester, Stacy and Rich look forward to their bucket list trips exploring the globe. Stacy enjoys cooking, entertaining, going to the beach and all things summer. Her latest passion is adaptive living for persons with disabilities. She is often found discussing ways to make travel and daily living more accessible for the disabled community. 1st Four (4) Year Term 2023 – 2027

Originally from Reno, Dan moved to the family cabin at Zephyr Point in 1985, intending to work one season at a ski resort. That single season evolved into a 23-year career at Heavenly Mountain Resort and the opportunity to raise a family in Tahoe with his wife, Barbara. In 1991, Dan earned a bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology and Operations Management from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. In 2008, he transitioned from the ski industry to become the Chief Operating Officer of a private forestry company managing 120,000 acres of timberland across California and New Zealand. The company also supported firefighting efforts for the U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire, conducted prescribed burns, and implemented forest fuel reduction projects. This work fueled Dan's passion for forest management and catastrophic fire prevention, ultimately leading him to serve on the California Forestry Association Board, where he worked with legislators to advocate for sustainable forest policies. After the company liquidated, Dan retired and returned to Tahoe with Barbara. His involvement with the Tahoe-Douglas Fire Protection District began at a strategic planning session, where he realized his extensive experience could serve the community. An outdoor enthusiast, Dan enjoys hiking, mountain biking, backcountry and resort skiing, flying, and embracing the natural beauty of Tahoe. 1st Four (4) Year Term 2024 - 2029