Our Board of Directors

President of Wildfire Protection, Inc.

Don Green

Don Green brings unparalleled expertise and dedication to his new role as the founder of Wildfire Protection, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization established to help communities in Santa Cruz County prepare for and protect against wildfires. With a 47-year career in firefighting, Don combines hands-on experience with innovative fire-prevention strategies to serve and safeguard his new community.

Don’s extensive career includes 30 years with the San Diego City Fire Department, where he worked as a firefighter on the frontlines of structure fires, wildland fires, hazardous materials fires, and vehicle fires. As an EMT since 1977, he administered aid to thousands of people during medical and trauma emergencies. Prior to joining the San Diego City Fire Department, he spent 4 years as a Crash Rescue Firefighter with the U.S. Air Force, managing high-risk emergencies at both domestic and international bases. For the past 13 years, Don has operated as a wildfire structure protection consultant, honing his expertise in fire-resistant landscaping with long-term fire retardants and structure protection with high-tech fire gels.

In Southern California, Don was a trusted expert for insurance companies, working to protect the properties of their high-net-worth clients in wildfire-prone regions. In California and Washington, he educated homeowners on fire prevention and fortified their properties with advanced protective measures, such as long-term fire retardants and fire gels, providing critical support during wildfire events. Don has designed and trained homeowners on the use of his proprietary home fire defense unit (FDU), empowering them to defend their properties safely and effectively.

As a thought leader and dedicated educator, Don has developed and delivered wildfire protection training programs for homeowner associations and community groups. His work has saved homes and lives in areas such as San Diego, CA, and Prosser, WA. Don also was a fire consultant for an experimental joint project headed by the U.S. Army and Boeing at the Yuma Proving Grounds, where he helped develop unique aerial capabilities for military cargo planes to drop firefighting gel on wildland fires.

Having relocated to Nogales in 2024, Don is excited to bring his leadership, passion, and proven methods to Santa Cruz County. Wildfire Protection, Inc. is focused on serving underserved communities with innovative solutions and vital education. Combining decades of experience, rigorous research, and a steadfast commitment to public safety, Don Green is eager to help his new neighbors prepare before the fire strikes.

Leanne Green

Secretary/Treasurer, Board of Directors, Wildfire Protection, Inc.

Leanne Green brings over 35 years of experience in marketing, writing, management, and community service to her role as Secretary/Treasurer for Wildfire Protection, Inc. She is a senior writer for a global construction and engineering firm, supporting technical research and reports for infrastructure projects around the world.

From 2012 to 2014, Leanne and her husband, Don, lived and volunteered in a remote village in Malawi, Africa, where they helped establish educational, medical, and job-training programs for those in extreme poverty. Previously, they launched and managed a coffeehouse in Fallbrook, California, where Leanne managed staff, operations, and community engagement.

Leanne and Don were lifelong San Diegans before recently relocating to Nogales, Arizona. Drawing from her experience in business management, nonprofit leadership, and community outreach, she is dedicated to strengthening wildfire prevention efforts and protecting Santa Cruz County communities from the growing threat of wildfires.

Brittany Benningfield

Board Member, Wildfire Protection, Inc.

Brittany Benningfield brings nonprofit leadership experience to the Wildfire Protection, Inc. Board of Directors, leveraging her experience serving low-income and underserved families for the past 10 years in Pflugerville, Texas. Under her leadership as Executive Director of Radiance Women’s Center, the organization has grown significantly, increasing volunteer engagement by 50%, fundraising by 300%, and clients served by 150%.

Brittany holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Western Governors University. She has dedicated her career to advocating for vulnerable communities, ensuring equitable access to resources, and fostering resilience in the face of challenges.

Her experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement makes her a valuable asset to Wildfire Protection, Inc., helping to advance its mission.

Daniel Green

Board Member, Wildfire Protection, Inc.

Daniel Green is the Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Berkeley Fire Department, leading the Wildland Urban Interface Division. With over 35 years of experience in fire prevention, planning, and operations, Daniel oversees a comprehensive citywide wildfire inspection and vegetation management program.

A Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist and active member of the NFPA CWMS Certification Advisory Group, Daniel is deeply committed to advancing wildfire safety and mitigation efforts. He is also a seasoned technical rescue and fire instructor for California State Fire Training, a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, and a nationally recognized EMS instructor.

Before transitioning to municipal firefighting, Daniel honed his skills during several seasons with the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. In addition to his operational expertise, he is an accomplished author and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.

Tom McKinney

Board Member, Wildfire Protection, Inc.

Tom McKinney has been the CEO of Interfaith Community Services (ICS) for six years. He relocated to Tucson from Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2015 to work with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, where he served as Vice President and later as CEO for two years.

With over 40 years of experience in nonprofit organizations, Tom has held various leadership roles, including President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Minnesota, Executive Director of the Northwest YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis, and Vice President of The American Field Service organization (AFS).

Tom's success in the nonprofit sector can be attributed to his exceptional skills in building partnerships to achieve common goals.