Ashanti Gray, MBA, CFO, CTO
Ashanti Gray is an executive leader with more than 28 years of experience driving organizational performance, operational strategy, and large-scale systems leadership. As Assistant Fire Chief for Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, she oversees complex, multi-agency operations, aligning strategy, accountability, and performance across regional systems serving Southern Nevada.
A recognized authority in governance, accreditation, and organizational effectiveness, Gray leads initiatives that strengthen workforce capability, improve outcomes, and position organizations for long-term success. Her expertise extends nationally through her role as a Peer Reviewer for the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), supporting national accreditation efforts and advancing professional standards.
Through the development of Operational Advantage Solutions, she partners with government and private organizations to optimize performance, enhance accountability, and build high-functioning leadership systems.
As the first African American female Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Las Vegas, Gray brings a distinct perspective to leadership. Known for her strategic insight and decisive leadership, she advises organizations operating in complex, high-stakes environments and advocates for modern, high-impact leadership at the executive level.
She has been featured in the Las Vegas Review-Journal and honored by Vegas Inc. as a Women Inspiring Nevada honoree.
• Chief Training Officer (CTO) – Center for Public Safety Excellence
• Chief Fire Officer (CFO) – Center for Public Safety Excellence
• University of Phoenix – Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Global Management
• Coleman College – Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Computer Science
• Columbia Southern University - Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Fire Science
• Vegas Inc. Women Inspiring Nevada Honoree 2023
• First African American Female Assistant Fire Chief - City of Las Vegas
• Featured Leader – Las Vegas Review-Journal
• International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
• Black Chief Officers Committee (BCOC)
• Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO)
• Volunteer leadership and service within national fire service and public safety communications organizations
• Supporting community engagement and public safety education initiatives that promote preparedness and trust between agencies and the communities they serve
• Mentoring and supporting the development of emerging leaders
• International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
EVMS Board of Directors — Western Division Representative & Secretary (2023–Present)
• Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO International)
Bylaws Committee — Committee Member (2025–Present)
• Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO International) Military Employment Committee — Committee Member (2025–Present)
• Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) Peer Reviewer
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, adaptability, and the courage to step into spaces that once felt bigger than me. Every challenging opportunity pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve learned from mentors, peers, and the people I’ve had the privilege to lead, because leadership is a constant exchange. I’m also deeply grateful for those who came before me, people who opened doors, broke barriers, and believed in my potential. Their strength and support shaped my path, and it drives me to create opportunities for those who come after me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of advice I received in my career was to “inspect what you expect.” Setting expectations is important, but effective leadership requires staying engaged and ensuring those standards are actually being met. That principle has helped me maintain accountability while supporting teams in achieving high performance.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to women entering the public safety field is to remain confident in your abilities and committed to continuous growth. Seek opportunities to learn, build strong relationships with mentors and peers, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges that push you outside of your comfort zone. Also, don’t be afraid to try new ideas. Being willing to step forward, test new approaches, and adjust when needed is an important part of growth and effective leadership. Most importantly, stay passionate about serving your community and the people you lead. That passion helps you remain motivated and inspires others to stay engaged and perform at their best. I believe strong organizations are built when every person understands the importance of their role, regardless of position, and when leaders ensure their teams have the support and resources they need to serve the community effectively.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in public safety is expanding how we think about leadership. The fire service has traditionally followed a single career pathway to leadership, but public safety is made up of many disciplines working together to serve the community. Leadership should be grounded in growth, data-informed decision-making, and the ability to lead people and systems effectively. Beginning in emergency communications and advancing into executive leadership has reinforced my belief that the future of public safety will benefit from diverse leadership perspectives and a broader understanding of the many roles that contribute to effective emergency response. This perspective has also led me to expand my work through the development of Operational Advantage Solutions, focused on strengthening leadership, operational strategy, and accountability across complex systems.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are integrity, accountability, service, and continuous growth. I believe in leading with honesty, taking responsibility for my decisions, and always striving to improve myself and the organizations I serve. Public safety is built on trust, so it is important to remain committed to serving the community while also supporting and valuing the people who carry out that mission every day.
Milestone Moments
My Las Vegas Weekly cover captured a pivotal moment in my career, stepping into history while shaping the future of public safety leadership. Today, I channel that experience into guiding leaders and organizations through transformation.