JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Mayor Lenny Curry on Wednesday announced that Kurtis Wilson, an 18-year veteran of Jacksonville Fire Rescue was appointed JFRD director and fire chief. Wilson is currently the captain of Marine Unit 39 and previously served as division chief of Operations, Fire Prevention and Administrative Services

Curry also named Kirk Wendland, currently at the engineering and construction firm Stellar, was named director of the Office of Economic Development.

Wendland will be paid $150,000 per year. JFRD salaries are to be determined.

"Kirk Wendland and Kurtis Wilson will bring abundant experience and expertise to these important roles, furthering our ability to provide the finest service to the people of Jacksonville," Curry said in a statement "Kirk's experience at the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission will serve our city well as we work to bring more opportunity here to our city. Kurtis' years of experience at JFRD will greatly enhance public safety throughout the community."

The mayor also announced the appointments of four division chiefs for JFRD. Gerald Powers will lead the Fire Operations Division, David Castleman will lead the Rescue Division, Derrick Brinson will head the Fire Prevention Division, and Gail Loput will serve as the division chief of Training. Steven Woodard was previously nominated for reappointment as the director of the Emergency Preparedness Division.

These appointments are subject to City Council approval.

Kirk Wendland

Wendland was appointed as Director of the Office of Economic Development. Wendland has proven leadership skills and more than 28 years of experience in the Jacksonville market. He is currently the director of Business Development at Stellar, and has previously served as the president of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, executive director of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, director of Finance for the City of Atlantic Beach, and director of Finance and Administration for the Downtown Development Authority.

Kurtis Wilson

Wilson grew up in Gainesville and launched his fire service career with the City of Fernandina Beach's Fire and Rescue Department. His JFRD career began in 1994 at Station 50 on Beach Boulevard near Kernan Boulevard.  Wilson is a state-licensed paramedic who holds a bachelor's degree in Public Administration from Flagler College and an associate's degree in Fire Science from Florida State College at Jacksonville.