Brandon Athey is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist specializing in Strength and Conditioning with the Howard County Fire Department. In this role, he focuses on enhancing the physical readiness of first responders by designing and implementing strength and conditioning programs tailored to the unique demands of their profession. Brandon’s expertise lies in optimizing performance, preventing injuries, and fostering a culture of health and fitness among tactical populations.Before joining O2X, Brandon amassed six years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach. From 2021 to 2023, he was part of the U.S. Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Program with the 18th Field Artillery Brigade at Fort Bragg, NC. There, he played a pivotal role in developing the H2F Program, establishing strength and conditioning initiatives at the unit level, and creating the Steel Fitness Trainer (SFT) course, a comprehensive “train-the-trainer” program that certified soldiers as H2F trainers. Earlier in his career, Brandon worked in collegiate athletics at Hagerstown Community College, Shippensburg University, Clemson University, and Mount St. Mary’s University. Notably, he founded the strength and conditioning program at Hagerstown and served as an adjunct professor of exercise science, a role he continues online today.Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Salisbury University and a Master of Arts in Sport Coaching with a focus on Strength and Conditioning from the University of Denver. He is certified as an NSCA-RSCC and NSCA-CSCS,*D, reflecting his high level of expertise in the field. Brandon’s diverse background in tactical and collegiate settings, combined with his dedication to teaching and program development, equips him to contribute meaningfully to any human performance initiative.