James M. Shannon, president of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), announced today the appointment of Gregory B. Cade as division director of Government Affairs. He will oversee NFPA’s Washington office.

Cade began his career as a firefighter in Prince George’s County Fire Department where he rose through the ranks during a 24-year tenure to become bureau chief. He subsequently served as chief for the City of Hampton Division of Fire/Rescue in Hampton, Va. and the City of Virginia Beach Fire Department in Virginia Beach, Va. Cade was appointed United States Fire Administrator in 2007, where he served as the country’s top fire official until January of 2009. Cade most recently was assistant director of National Programs for the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science from the University of Maryland.