CONTACT GFSTC

rtoms@gfstconline.org

478-993-4521

Randy Toms was appointed Executive Director of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council (GFSTC) in March 2022, bringing with him over 40 years of dedicated service in the fire industry across the State of Georgia.

Randy began his career with the Warner Robins Fire Department, where he served for 27 years until his retirement in 2012. Throughout his time with WRFD, he also devoted 14 years as Chaplain for the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs, providing spiritual guidance and support to fire professionals statewide.

In December 2013, Randy was elected Mayor of the City of Warner Robins and officially took office in January 2014. He was re-elected in 2017 and served two full terms, totaling eight years of public service in city leadership. During his tenure as mayor, he was appointed to the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council by Governor Nathan Deal, further deepening his commitment to the advancement of fire service standards across Georgia.

Randy leads GFSTC with two guiding philosophies: “Find a way to say yes, if possible,” and “If it ain’t broke, break it!” These principles reflect his focus on fostering a customer-friendly environment and driving innovation in public service. Under his leadership, GFSTC continues to pursue more efficient and effective ways of doing business.

Randy has been married to his wife, Jane, for 43 years. Together, they have two children and six grandchildren. He considers it a great honor to serve alongside the outstanding professionals at GFSTC and remains committed to supporting and advancing the fire service community throughout Georgia.

For questions regarding the Acadis system, portal access, testing and retesting requests, certification/qualifications, NPQ questions or application requests, or the new website; department, station and firefighter compliance.

ctipton@gfstconline.org

762-219-1233

Christina joined the Georgia Firefighter Standards & Training team in 2022,

bringing more than 23 years of customer service experience, including 12 years

in the fire service. In her role as IT Business Analyst, she employs common

sense, compassion, and technical insight to support agency initiatives and

improve operational efficiency.

She is known for her practical approach, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence. Christina continually seeks opportunities for professional development and process enhancement. Her dedication to public service is further reflected in her role as a board member of the Georgia Association of Women in Public Safety, where she contributes to advancing the mission of empowering women in the field.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Christina enjoys music, traveling, sporting clays, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

For questions regarding fireworks tax grants, open records requests, account receivable or payable, and contracts.

whitman@gfstconline.org

478-993-5630

Whitman began her career with Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council (GFSTC) in 2018, bringing with her a strong foundation in public safety. A former EMT, she has firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by Georgia’s fire service professionals. Her background in administration plays a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes at GFSTC.

In her current role, Whitman manages several critical support functions, including human resources, fleet administration, and budgeting. She also oversees the distribution of the Fireworks Tax Grant—a program that has allocated more than $6 million over the past eight years to help departments across Georgia acquire much-needed equipment they might not otherwise afford. Contributing to this impactful work remains one of the most rewarding aspects of her role.

Outside of work, Whitman enjoys spending time in her garden, caring for her horses, gathering eggs from her chickens, and preparing homemade meals. She and her husband, Bruce, are proud parents of three daughters and grandparents to three grandchildren.

For questions regarding in state reciprocity, out of state reciprocity, and test document verification.

roxanne@gfstconline.org

478-993-5255

Roxanne Burns is a dedicated Safety and Compliance Specialist with the Georgia

Firefighter Standards and Training Council, a role she’s proudly held since 2018.

She focuses on processing testing paperwork for statewide events and manages in-state and out-of-state reciprocity, ensuring smooth transitions for firefighters.

Outside of work, Roxanne cherishes her time with her husband, Stephen, whom she married in 2015. Together, they are raising three wonderful children, a son and twin girls. Family is not just important to Roxanne; it’s the heart of everything she does. Whether it’s family outings, cozy nights at home, or simply supporting each other through life’s ups and downs, her loved ones provide her with constant joy and inspiration.

For questions regarding validation or rules and regulations.

ckozikowski@gfstconline.org

478-993-6262

Chris Kozikowski currently serves with the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council, where he has been a dedicated member of the team since January 2023. In this role, he contributes to ensuring high standards of training and certification for firefighters across the state.

Chris began his fire service career in May of 2000 at a Metro Atlanta fire department, where he gained extensive experience across numerous roles and responsibilities. Over the course of more than two decades, he has developed deep expertise in fire operations, emergency response, and firefighter training. For over eight years, Chris served in the department’s training division, where he played a key role in certifying new recruits and maintaining active certifications for current firefighters—an effort that helped elevate the quality and readiness of fire personnel.

Outside of his professional life, Chris is a devoted family man who enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He finds relaxation in fishing, farming, and taking trips to beach activities that reflect his love for the outdoors and a well-balanced life.

For questions regarding state certifications and qualifications, agency update information.

dpayne@gfstconline.org

478-993-5734

Donald currently serves as a safety and compliance specialist processing state certifications, qualifications, station compliance and fire department updates.

Donald began his career in 1994 as a volunteer with Barrow County. In 1996 Donald joined Rockdale County as a career firefighter. Donald served in various roles throughout his career at Rockdale County including six years as a Chief Officer.

After moving from Barrow County to Jasper County Donald continued to volunteer with Jasper County Fire Rescue, demonstrating a deep commitment to public service and community engagement. He has served as an adjunct instructor with Georgia Fire Academy at Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC), where he shared valuable knowledge and expertise with the next generation of fire service professionals.

For questions regarding department, station or firefighter compliance in the Northwest region.

sstephens@gfstconline.org

478-993-6822

Northwest: Chattooga, Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Cherokee, Gordon, Floyd, Bartow, Polk, Paulding, Cobb, Haralson, Dekalb, Fulton, Rockdale, Clayton, Fayette, Douglas, Carroll, Heard, Coweta

Scott Stephens is a dedicated Safety & Compliance Specialist with the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.

With over 30 years of experience in Fire and EMS, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to public safety.

A proud U.S. Navy veteran, he has served his community in numerous capacities, including as Chair of the Northwest Georgia EMS Council, Regional Trauma Coordinator, and as a member of the EMS Subcommittee for the Georgia Trauma Commission representing Northwest Georgia.

Scott is passionate about teaching, mentoring, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Outside of his professional commitments, he enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling and cherishes every moment with his wife and their adult children.

For questions regarding department, station or firefighter compliance in the Northeast region.

ballen@gfstconline.org

678-858-0090

Northeast: Union, Towns, Rabun, Lumpkin, White, Habersham, Stephens, Dawson, Hall, Banks, Franklin, Hart, Elbert, Oglethorpe, Madison, Banks, Jackson, Clarke, Barrow, Gwinnett, Forsyth, Clarke, Oconee

Bryan Allen serves as the Northeast Georgia Safety and Compliance Specialist for the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council, a role he has held since 2017.

With over two decades of firefighting experience, he has been a dedicated member of the Commerce Fire Department since 2002 and the Nicholson Fire Department since 2014.

A certified Live Fire Instructor with the Georgia Fire Academy since 2012, Bryan is committed to training and mentoring the next generation of firefighters across the state.

Outside of his professional life, Bryan has been happily married to his wife, Donna Allen, since 2017. Together, they enjoy life on the farm, where they care for a herd of seven miniature donkeys—an endeavor that brings them both joy and relaxation.

For questions regarding department, station or firefighter compliance in the North Central.

rloyd@gfstconline.org

478-212-6694

North Central: Troup, Meriwether, Spalding, Henry, Newton, Walton, Morgan, Greene, Wilkes, Lincoln, Pike, Lamar, Butts, Jasper, Putnam, Taliaferro, McDuffie, Columbia, Richmond, Jasper, Monroe, Hancock, Warren, Baldwin, Jones, Upson, Talbot, Harris

Randy Loyd brings over 17 years of dedicated experience in the fire service with Rockdale County, Georgia. Since October 2023, he has served as the North Central Georgia Safety and Compliance Specialist with the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council. In this role, Randy ensures compliance with departmental and fire personnel training requirements, coordinates state testing events, and serves as an evaluator instructor, supporting fire departments across the region.

Beyond his professional life, Randy is a devoted husband to his wife, Taylor, and a proud father to their two children, Easton and Emmalyn. Much of the Loyd family’s time is spent at the baseball field cheering on Easton or enjoying the world through Emmalyn’s unique and joyful perspective as a child with autism.

Grounded in faith and inspired by Mark 10:45 — “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” — Randy leads with compassion, service, and purpose in every aspect of life. 

For questions regarding department, station and firefighter compliance in the South Central.

dtrussell@gfstconline.org

478-952-2017

South Central: Muscogee, Crawford, Peach, Houston, Bleckley, Laurens, Twiggs, Bibb, Wilkinson, Johnson, Washington, Jefferson, Glascock, Jenkins, Burke, Macon, Schley, Marion, Taylor, Chattahoochee

David started his fire service career in 1981 as a volunteer with Montezuma Fire and Emergences Services and became a paid firefighter in 1987 with Central State Hospital Fire Department. Throughout his career David has volunteered for Montezuma, Baldwin County, and Oglethorpe and been a paid member of Central State Hospital, Milledgeville, and Montezuma. He retired as Fire Chief of Montezuma in 2016 to accept a position with Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training.

David currently serves as the South-Central Georgia Safety and Compliance Specialist. David has been an adjunct Instructor for the Georgia Fire Academy since 1985, holds many certifications, and has an associate degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University.

David has been happily married to his wife, Bethany, since 1996, they have one daughter, Anna. In his spare time David enjoys riding motorcycles, camping, hunting, and traveling with his family. 

For questions regarding department, station or firefighter compliance in the Southeast region.

wfeller@gfstconline.org

912-253-3551

Southeast: Screven, Emanuel, Treutlen, Candler, Bulloch, Effingham, Wheeler, Montgomery, Toombs, Tattnall, Evans, Bryan, Chatham, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Wayne, Appling, Bacon, Jeff-Davis, Coffee, Pierce, Atkinson, Ware, Brantley, Glynn, Camden, Charlton, Clinch, Atkinson

Wayne Feller serves as a Safety and Compliance Specialist III with the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council, where he is responsible for conducting audits of fire departments, fire apparatus, and fire personnel training records throughout the Southeast region of Georgia.

Wayne has been with the Council since 2016 and has brought over three decades of fire service experience to the role. He has dedicated 33 years to the Hazlehurst–Jeff Davis County Fire Department, where he has served as an Engineer Firefighter and Fire Prevention Officer. In addition to his fire service duties, Wayne is a Dive Team Captain and an active member of the Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) team for District 8.

Outside of his professional commitments, Wayne enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. His personal interests include SCUBA diving, woodworking, and fishing. 

For questions regarding department, station or firefighter compliance in the Southwest region.

mhouston@gfstconline.org

478-993-6697

Southwest: Stewart, Quitman, Webster, Sumter, Dooly, Pulaski, Dodge, Wilcox, Crisp, Lee, Terrell, Randolph, Clay, Calhoun, Dougherty, Worth, Turner, Ben Hill, Worth, Irwin, Tift, Baker, Early, Miller, Mitchell, Colquitt, Cook, Lanier, Echols, Lowndes, Brooks, Thomas, Grady, Decator, Seminole

Matt Houston serves as a Safety and Compliance Specialist with the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council, a role he has held since March 2023. With 15 years of experience in public safety, Matt dedicated 13 years as an Airport Firefighter and 9 years as a Police Officer serving the Albany, Georgia community.

A proud native of Cuthbert, Georgia, Matt is deeply rooted in faith, family, and service. He is happily married to his wife, Maci, and together they are raising a son and a daughter. Outside of work, Matt enjoys coaching his son in baseball, camping, grilling out with family and friends, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves.