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Michael Edwards is a professional expert with over 30 years of experience in all matters of Fire & Life Safety as it applies to project development, facilities management and public safety. He has led change in organizations with his analysis and solutions for improvements. In addition, he has managed teams through not only the technical aspects of Fire and Life Safety but also in operational planning, professional development & training, information management and budgeting, estimating, and cost management. Client Services For MacDonald-Bedford clients, Mr. Edwards serves as its Senior Fire & Life Safety Specialist, as a Expert Witness for clients and Trainer for public and private organizations. In addition, he acts as the firm’s specialist on environmental issues such as the Clean Water Act, Hazardous Materials Handling and the removal of underground storage tanks. He previews building plans with developers, architects, engineers and contractors to ensure that all work is in compliance with provisions of the UBC/UFC. He provides innovative solutions to problematic code issues and provides a hands-on facilitation within the public plans review process. Mr. Edwards has extensive experience with the building industry. Within the facilities management arena, Mr. Edwards has inspected over 1,000 residences and apartment buildings and nearly as many businesses. In addition to work with new construction and renovation, Mr. Edwards has served as the Fire Marshall for a city of 75,000 citizens with a substantial industrial base. As a member of the Alameda County Arson Task Force, he supports the District Attorney with his analysis and findings in criminal proceedings. For the authorities directing the reuse of the former Alameda Naval Air Station, Mr. Edwards developed creative applications of the Building and Fire Codes to implement the successful adaptive restoration of the existing military aviation structures for alternate civilian commercial reuses. He also serves as an expert witness for mock trial final exams at University of California Law School, Boalt Hall. Mr. Edwards is known for his thorough analysis, objectivity and his ability to facilitate agreement among adversarial parties. Strongly skilled in strategic thinking, problem-solving and media relations, he brings an excellent blend of conceptual, human and technical skills to any effort. Mr. Edwards has a Bachelors Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and an Associates Degree in Fire Science. Mr. Edwards is a member of the Fire Prevention Officers Association and the California Conference of Arson Investigators. He is certified as a Fire Prevention Officer, Level III, a Disaster Response Team Building Inspector (CALBO), a Hazardous Material Technician (CSTI) and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-D). In addition, he has over 25 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and presently is a Senior Chief Marine Science Technician. Mr. Edwards can be reached at MEdwards@macdonaldbedford.com Biographies of Key Staff: |
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