Reese’s distinguished, 40+ year career as a public servant, critical care nurse, and wildland firefighter culminated with his role as Chief of Tactical Air Operations (TAO) for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). In that position, Reese managed the Department’s aviation training, wildland fire chemical, and military programs. As a boots-on-the-ground wildland firefighter for many years and, ultimately, as a program leader of CAL FIRE’s aviation organization, Reese has been a vocal advocate for developing and deploying innovative fire suppression technologies. Reese assisted in developing the first-ever interagency helicopter night flying policy and SOGs for use on state and federal lands. Under his leadership, California’s aerial firefighting fleet integrated the world’s largest aerial firefighting platforms, known as VLATs – very large air tankers. Reese was the primary architect of the State of California’s Catastrophic Aviation Response Plan and Air Operations concept of operations through the Office of Emergency Services, and Cal Trans. He was awarded the California state military’s highest honor given to a civilian – the Legion of Merit Medal. After retiring from public service, Reese was engaged by Alterna Capital Partners, the private equity investor group behind Global SuperTanker Services, LLC (GST), owners of the world’s largest aerial firefighting platform – a converted 747-400 aircraft with a drop capacity over 19,000 gallons. In 2020, Reese converted the 747 back into a cargo aircraft to aid in the global logistics chain shortage. He is also one of the original founders and charter member of the United Aerial Firefighters Association and is now the CEO of BlazetamerUSA.