Chris Ballard
About Chris Ballard
Chris Ballard is the Fire and Life Safety Coordinator at Nikola Motor Company, with extensive experience in fire safety and emergency medical services.
Job Title: Fire and Life Safety Coordinator
Chris Ballard serves as a Fire and Life Safety Coordinator at Nikola Motor Company. He has held this role since 2021. In this capacity, Ballard is responsible for overseeing and implementing fire safety protocols and ensuring compliance with life safety regulations within the company. His role involves extensive knowledge of fire safety standards and emergency response procedures.
Prior Role: Engineer/Paramedic at Rural Metro Fire Department
Before joining Nikola Motor Company, Chris Ballard worked at the Rural Metro Fire Department in Phoenix, Arizona Area as an Engineer/Paramedic from 2008 to 2021. During his 13 years there, Ballard gained significant experience in emergency medical services and fire response. His role likely included performing life-saving procedures, operating fire engines, and coordinating emergency response efforts.
Occupational Safety and Health Education
Chris Ballard pursued advanced education in Occupational Safety and Health/Environmental Management at Columbia Southern University, where he earned a Master's degree from 2020 to 2022. This specialized education provided him with in-depth knowledge of safety management systems, environmental regulations, and risk assessment practices, all of which are crucial to his current role at Nikola Motor Company.
Initial Career in Firefighting
Chris Ballard began his firefighting career in the United States Air Force, where he served as a Firefighter from 2002 to 2005 in Minot, North Dakota. This foundational experience in a high-discipline environment likely honed his skills in fire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency response.
Background in Business Administration
Chris Ballard has a robust academic background, including a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management, General from Grand Canyon University, attained between 2013 and 2018. This education has equipped him with valuable business skills such as leadership, strategic planning, and organizational management, which complement his technical expertise in fire and life safety.