The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the nomination of Chief Ernest Mitchell, Jr. to be Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration. President Barack Obama nominated Mitchell to head USFA on Aug. 2.

Prior to his retirement, Mitchell served as fire chief and assistant director of disaster emergency services for the Pasadena (Calif.) Fire Department from 1998 to 2004. In addition, he served as fire chief and deputy city manager of Monrovia, Calif., from 1991 to 1998. Mitchell has over 30 years of experience in the fire service.

Mitchell served as IAFC president in 2003-2004. He currently serves on the International Association of Fire Fighters Hazardous Materials Advisory Board and the International Fire Service Training Association Executive Board. Mitchell holds an A.S. in fire science from Long Beach City College, a B.P.A. from the University of San Francisco and an M.P.A. from California State University at Northridge.

Mitchell’s nomination will now be sent to the full Senate for consideration.