Before joining Spatial Informatics Group, Chris Schow retired as the Deputy Director for Fire and Aviation in the Pacific Southwest Region (R5) of the United States Forest Service after a thirty-eight-year career that spanned five regions and ten National Forests. He worked as a Hotshot, Helitack, and Smokejumper preparing for fire management roles at different levels of the agency. While working in the R5 regional office, he served temporary roles as FAM Director and Lassen N.F. Forest Supervisor. Chris coordinated regional and national resources and relationships between critical fire partners and stakeholders during historic fire seasons. He continues to bring innovative solutions to complex issues surrounding fire in the West as a consultant for his work with SIG.