Jim began his career with the Los Angeles Department Fire Department, retiring as Chief of Department before being subsequently appointed to lead the LA Emergency Management Department. During his time with LA EMD, Jim served on the Executive Board of the Big City Emergency Management (BCEM) organization, which continues to serve the nation’s largest cities and regions. Jim later founded and served as CEO of the LA Homeland Security Advisory Council, which served as the nexus among southern California public safety organizations, ensuring coordination of best preparedness and response practices. Mr. Featherstone served in the United States Navy.