Candidate for
Council Member; City of Los Angeles; District 13

Emile Mack has more than 33 years of experience in dedicated public service as an "up through the ranks" firefighter, leader, executive level manager and policy maker, and community advocate.

Emile embodies the spirit and determination of Angelenos, rising from humble beginnings to become the second in command of one of the world's preeminent public safety agencies + the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).

He currently serves as the Commander of the LAFD's South Division, protecting half of Los Angeles' 469 square miles. Chief Mack has overseen a half-billion dollar departmental budget, directed the development of comprehensive strategic plans impacting the safety of millions of residents, has led the City and region in times of disaster and great difficulty, and again led from the front as the LAFD battled to become an organization that freed itself from adverse management and cultural practices while also more accurately reflected the communities it serves. In many of his endeavors he has successfully navigated the political bodies of the City. Chief Mack managed an organization of 4,000 employees and generated over $140 million in revenues while serving as second in command of the LAFD.

Emile's many accomplishments during his distinguished fire service career include his gubernatorial appointment to the California State Board of Fire Services; leading the development of the joint Los Angeles City/County Katrina Resettlement Plan; leading the transformation of the City's Emergency Operations Center into a nationwide model; writing the comprehensive 20-year strategic plan for policies on public safety service delivery and infrastructure improvement; institutionalization of system-wide changes in handling litigation matters to significantly reduce the City's exposure to multi-million dollar lawsuit payouts; developing partnerships to establish a youth worker program using American Recovery Reinvestment Act funds; and, spearheading the City's environmental efforts to protect Los Angeles' groundwater by writing one of the State's first underground tank abandonment code requirements.

Mr. Mack has a long track record of dedication to community service. He is an outspoken advocate for international adoption of Korean children and a proud husband and father whose civic engagement closely mirrors his personal passions. Emile serves on the board of several non-profit organizations, is active in numerous youth mentorship and student education programs, and is a sought after speaker at civic events. In 2009, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa presented Emile with the "Spirit of Los Angeles" award that recognizes the high profile community leader who best embodies the spirit and determination of Angelenos.

Emile also has practical experience and an appreciation of being a private business owner. He acquired his first income property when he was 22 years old and continues in this business today.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Emile was adopted by an African American family and became an Angeleno when he was three years old. Residents of the Atwater area, Emile and his wife Jenny + a homegrown graduate of Marshall High School + are the proud parents of two-year old Miya, whom they adopted from Korea in 2010.