1st Woman Takes Helm Of Fire Protection Society

BETHESDA, MD - Deborah Boice, P.E. takes office as President of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) for 2011. Boice is a Senior Vice President, Western Portfolio Leader with Swiss Re 's Corporate Solutions team.

Boice who is SFPE’s first female president has served on the Society’s Board of Directors since 2002 and is an SFPE Fellow. SFPE Fellows represent a distinguished group of members who have attained significant stature and accomplishment in engineering.

“Over her 24 year career at Swiss Re Boice has made significant contributions to the profession of fire protection engineering by advancing the science and technology that makes people and property safe from fire,” said SFPE Engineering Program Manager Chris Jelenewicz.
At Swiss Re she is responsible for the property insurance sales management in the Western United States. Since 2003, her focus has been on providing expert underwriting for the region’s insurance customers.

Boice holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and earned a Masters of Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton. She is a Licensed Fire Protection Engineer in the State of California.

What is a Fire Protection Engineer?
According to the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, a fire protection engineer applies science and engineering principles to protect people, homes, workplaces, the economy and the environment from the devastating effects of fires. Fire protection engineers analyze how buildings are used, how fires start and grow, and how fires affect people and property. They use the latest technologies to design systems to control fires, alert people to danger, and provide means for escape. Fire protection engineers also work closely with other professionals, including engineers of other disciplines, architects, state and local building officials, and local fire departments to build fire safe communities. Fire protection engineers are in high demand. The number of available jobs far exceeds the supply.

About Society of Fire Protection Engineers
Organized in 1950, the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) is the professional organization that represents engineers engaged in fire protection worldwide. Through its membership of over 5,000 professionals and 65 international chapters, SFPE advances the science and practice of fire protection engineering while maintaining a high ethical standard. SFPE and its members serve to make the world a safer place by reducing the burden of unwanted fire through the application of science and technology.