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Royal Ramey

Wildland Firefighter, Founder of Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, Advocate for Criminal Justice Reform

CEO and Co-Founder of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, Ramey played a key role in mobilizing firefighters to battle the devastating Los Angeles wildfires
From incarceration to pioneering a social enterprise, Royal Ramey’s journey of resilience and purpose-driven leadership has broken barriers and created lasting change
2024 TED Fellow and 2023 Obama Leaders USA participant—Ramey’s nationally recognized work in criminal justice reform and workforce development has been featured by CNN, PBS, and Vice News

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Royal Ramey’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience—one that has the power to inspire and transform perspectives.

Sentenced to six years in prison at just 20 years old, Ramey seized the chance to join California’s Conservation Camp program, where he discovered his passion for wildland firefighting. That decision set him on a path from incarceration to leadership, spending the next decade battling some of California’s most devastating fires with the U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE.

Determined to ensure others had the same opportunity for a second chance, Ramey co-founded the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), an organization that has since placed over 300 formerly incarcerated individuals into professional firefighting careers. His work has not only reshaped lives but has played a critical role in responding to the massive wildfires that impacted Los Angeles in early 2025.

Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Ramey brings firsthand experience in high-risk leadership, resilience under pressure, and the benefits of systemic change as a speaker. His talks seamlessly blend his personal journey with larger themes of criminal justice reform, workforce development, and social entrepreneurship. His powerful storytelling and lived expertise make him an unforgettable presence on stage, inspiring audiences to rethink what’s possible.

Chief Ramey has spent more than a decade as a wildland firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service, CAL FIRE, and FFRP’s own Buffalo Handcrew before becoming the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. His deep understanding of the skills and training needed to succeed in the forestry and fire sector has been instrumental in FFRP’s success. A 2024 TED Fellow and 2023 Obama Leaders USA Program participant, Ramey’s groundbreaking efforts in fire service reform have earned recognition from major media outlets including CNN, PBS, and Vice News. His leadership and advocacy earned him a 2022 pardon from Governor Newsom, solidifying his role as a leading voice in both criminal justice reform and wildland firefighting.

Speaker Video

From Prison to Purpose Through Wildland Firefighting

The Prison to Public Service Pipeline, The Daily Show

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From Prison to Public Service: A Wildland Firefighter’s Journey. Chief Royal Ramey’s journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and opportunity. Sentenced to six years in prison at just 20 years old, he found purpose in California’s Conservation Camp program, where he trained as a wildland firefighter. After his release, he faced systemic barriers that prevented him from continuing the work he had already proven himself in, but instead of giving up, he fought to change the system. Motivated by his experiences, Ramey founded the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), helping over 200 justice-impacted individuals launch careers in fire service. In this deeply personal and inspiring talk, he shares how perseverance, leadership, and commitment to public service compelled him to create opportunities for others and drive meaningful change in the world.

Leadership in High-Risk Environments: Lessons from Fire Service and Social Entrepreneurship. Drawing from his decade of experience as a wildland firefighter and nonprofit leader, Chief Royal Ramey explores the parallels between fire service and effective leadership in mission-driven organizations. He shares how firefighting principles can shape strategy, crisis management, and team coordination in any industry. Through real firefighting guidelines and gripping stories on the frontlines, Ramey teaches leaders how to cultivate resilience, adaptability, and accountability in high-pressure environments. Attendees will leave with a fresh perspective on leadership and practical tools to implement in their own work.

Redefining Workforce Success: Unlocking Potential, Filling Labor Gaps, and Driving Lasting Impact. As industries across the country struggle with labor shortages, a highly skilled but overlooked workforce—formerly incarcerated individuals—remains untapped. Chief Royal Ramey, who went from serving time to leading wildfire crews and founding the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), will expose the contradictions in a system that trains incarcerated firefighters but prevents them from professional opportunities upon release. He will also shift the conversation from recidivism rates—the percentage of formerly incarcerated individuals who return to prison—to non-recidivism, the measure of those who transition into stable and fulfilling careers. This talk is a call to action for anyone looking to create a workforce that not only addresses labor shortages but also drives meaningful social and economic change.

Ensuring Equity in Climate Change: Breaking Barriers in the Green Economy. Climate change solutions often overlook one critical factor: equity. As a formerly incarcerated wildland firefighter, Chief Ramey has firsthand experience with the systemic barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing careers in the green economy. He will highlight the stark contrast between the reliance on incarcerated firefighters during disasters and the lack of pathways for them to continue this work upon release. This talk will challenge audiences to rethink workforce inclusion in climate resilience efforts and explore strategies to create equitable opportunities in a field that remains predominantly white and male. By investing in diverse talent, we can strengthen both our workforce and our response to the growing climate crisis.