Korey Williams Named New MFC Assistant Fire Chief
The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) is pleased to announce that Korey Williams has been named as the new Assistant Fire Chief, effective this month. He previously served as Forestry Technician II in Region 4. MFC Fire Chief Randy Giachelli expressed his enthusiasm for the promotion, stating, “Korey is a huge asset to the MFC team and has gained the experience to excel in the Assistant Fire Chief role. It is always great to be able to promote within the agency and have a trusted team member to step up. We look forward to working with Korey in the new capacity to help us continue the mission to protect Mississippi against wildfires.”
Born and raised in the rural community of White Plains, Mississippi, Williams developed a passion for forestry and fire management at a young age. His interest in the MFC was sparked during a career day at his elementary school, where he learned about the agency’s critical role in land protection, management, and public information. Growing up near the DeSoto National Forest, he was captivated by controlled burns and wildfire suppression efforts, especially when helicopters would draw water from his family’s pond to battle fires. These early experiences fueled his dedication to a career in fire protection and land management.
Williams began his career with the MFC in March 2007 as a Ranger 1 in Harrison County. Over the years, he advanced through the Ranger and Technician ranks, gaining extensive experience in fire suppression, disaster management, and heavy equipment operations. His commitment to professional growth and leadership led him to serve as an Incident Commander for the agency’s Incident Management Team, and he has responded to large-scale wildfires across 13 states in more than 30 federal fire deployments.
In addition to his operational expertise, Williams has dedicated significant time to mentoring and training employees at the MFC Heavy Equipment Academy. He believes in building a strong, skilled, and safety-conscious workforce, ensuring that MFC personnel understand the importance of equipment maintenance and safe operation. “What I enjoy most about my work is serving the residents of Mississippi—helping them manage and protect their land,” said Williams. “Seeing a landowner’s vision come to life and knowing that we play a role in safeguarding both property and lives is incredibly rewarding.”
With nearly two decades of experience, Williams is eager to take on the responsibilities of Assistant Fire Chief. His frontline perspective, combined with his deep understanding of fire operations, will help shape the agency’s decisions and strategies for the future. He is happily married to his wife, Liz, and together they have two daughters, Laura and Lillie.
