By Baltimore County (MD) Fire Chief Joanne Rund
“As the head of the Baltimore County (MD) Fire Department since 2019, Fire Chief Joanne R. Rund has driven her tenure a with a steadfast commitment to health, safety, inclusiveness, and teamwork. With more than three decades of experience in the fire service, she roots her leadership style in service-oriented principles and a genuine concern for the well-being of her personnel.
Having spent 32 years with the Howard County (MD) Department of Fire and Rescue Services before assuming her current role, Rund’s leadership journey began under the mentorship of a captain who instilled in her the values of succession planning and servant leadership. This early guidance laid the groundwork for Rund’s approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent and fostering a culture of support and mentorship within the organization.
Rund’s leadership philosophy is characterized by empathy, humility, and a dedication to serving others. She believes in empowering her team members by providing them with the necessary tools and resources for success while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued. Rund recognizes that effective leadership requires adaptability and situational awareness, drawing inspiration from the situational leadership principles proposed by Ken Blanchard…“
