Royal Ramey is a seasoned professional with a robust background in firefighting and re-entry support for formerly incarcerated individuals. Serving as the Chief Program Officer of The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), Royal, alongside partner Brandon Smith, has played a pivotal role in training and guiding over 3,000 currently and previously incarcerated individuals towards successful careers. Drawing from personal experiences post-incarceration, Royal is dedicated to dismantling barriers to entry in the firefighting sector, particularly for marginalized communities. With extensive experience as a wildland firefighter with the US Forest Service and CAL FIRE, Royal brings a unique perspective to the field, complemented by firefighting certifications and an Associate of Science in Fire Technology. Royal's mission is to reshape societal perceptions of individuals with records, emphasizing the potential for a brighter future through meaningful careers in critical sectors like wildland firefighting and forestry, essential in addressing the escalating climate crisis.
Areas of Expertise
Career Mentorship, Climate Action, Criminal Justice Reform, Environmental Justice, Job Skills Training, Nonprofit Leadership, Program Development, Second Chance Hiring, Underrepresented communities, Vegetation Management, Wildland Firefighting, Workforce Development