Sean Penwell

Sean Penwell has a diversified work experience in both the firefighting industry and military service. Sean began their career as a Firefighter with the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority in 2000 and steadily moved up the ranks, serving as a Captain, Battalion Chief, Division Chief, and currently holds the position of Deputy Chief since February 2023.

In addition to their firefighting career, Sean Penwell has also served in the Washington Army National Guard. Sean worked as an Assistant Operations Officer in HHC, 1-161 Infantry, and later became a Company Commander in A Company, 1-161 Infantry, both between 2010 and 2014. Sean also served as the Assistant Operations Officer in HHC, 81st ABCT, WA ARNG from 2014 to 2016.

From 2016 to 2018, Sean Penwell worked as an Operations/Exercise/Training Officer in Joint Forces HQ, WA ARNG. Later, they joined 1-303D Cavalry, 41st IBCT WA ARNG as an Operations Officer, where they led planning efforts for a 9-month military engagement deployment to Jordan. During this period, they transformed the Jordan Operational Engagement Program, reducing the required US presence by 75%.

Sean'smilitary experience includes deployment to Iraq from September 2008 to August 2009, where they served as a Platoon Leader in A Troop, 1-303d Cavalry, WA ARNG. Sean led a Convoy Security Platoon in the Anbar region.

Overall, Sean Penwell has a strong background in firefighting and military operations, showcasing leadership skills and adaptability in different roles and settings.

Sean Penwell completed their Bachelor's degree in Accounting at the University of Washington - Michael G. Foster School of Business in 1994. Sean then pursued further education and completed the Command and General Staff Officers Course (CGSOC) from 2015 to 2017. In 2022, Sean enrolled at Indiana University - Kelley School of Business and earned a Master of Science (MS) degree in Strategic Management in 2023. In 2013, they also attended the US Army Infantry School's Maneuver Captains Career Course.