KENSINGTON, CA — September 27, 2026 — Kensington Fire Safe Council has named Mike Baldwin as its new president, bringing a longtime business leader with more than 35 years of private-sector experience to the community’s efforts to help prevent and prepare for wildfire.
Baldwin joined the Board of KFSC about two years ago and quickly took over running the semi-annual Dumpathons, which have removed over 50 tons of green waste/. wildfire fuel annually. He has also led an effort to secure FireWise recognition for 61 Kensington homes, providing them greater fire resilience and potential fire insurance discounts.
Baldwin and his wife, Sheri, moved to San Diego in 2024. Since then, Baldwin has become increasingly involved with the community, including overseeing Kensington LItter Pickers and serving on the board of Kensington Community Association, as well as supporting a range of other projects.
As president, Baldwin says his priority will be building the organizational infrastructure needed to sustain and expand KFS’s work for years to come.
“Kensington has an extraordinary group of volunteers who care deeply about protecting our community,” Baldwin said. “My goal is to help build the structure, systems and long-term capacity that will allow Kensington Fire Safe to continue and expand our wildfire mitigation work for many years to come.”
Baldwin brings extensive experience in building and leading organizations. He has served, and continues to serve, on the boards of several industrial services companies and is the founder of Briarwood Partners, an independent sponsor-model private equity firm.
Over more than three decades in the private sector, Baldwin has worked closely with management teams to build and operate companies, expand market share in highly competitive industries, manage labor and management relationships, and develop customer-focused corporate cultures.
That experience will now be applied to a very different kind of organization: a community of volunteers working to reduce wildfire risk.
“KFS has accomplished a tremendous amount because of the commitment of its volunteers,” Baldwin said. “I’m very proud to have the opportunity now, to build on that foundation and ensure the organization is strong and sustainable for the future.”
Baldwin’s appointment comes as Kensington Fire Safe continues to expand its community wildfire-preparedness efforts, including public education, neighborhood projects, vegetation management and other measures designed to reduce wildfire risk and improve community resilience.
Baldwin and Sheri have been married for 40 years and have two grown sons and one granddaughter. They enjoy traveling and experiencing other cultures, traditions and food. Baldwin is also an avid backpacker, woodworker and golfer.
About Kensington Fire Safe
Kensington Fire Safe is a community-based organization working to reduce wildfire risk and strengthen the preparedness and resilience of Kensington and surrounding communities. The organization relies heavily on community volunteers and works on wildfire education, preparedness, vegetation management, home-hardening awareness and other fire-safety initiatives.
Media Contact:
Kensington Fire Safe
info@kensingtonfiresafe.org
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About Kensington Fire Safe (KFS)
For 25 years, KFS volunteers have organized projects to make Kensington safer from wildfires for its residents and businesses. More info at kensingtonfiresafe.org
Dumpathon organizer Mike Baldwin reports Spring 2026 Dumpathon success to officials Franklin Coopersmith, Deputy Director, SD Environmental Services Department and Assistant Fire Marshal, Alex Kane, Wildfire Program Manager Photo Credit: Inside San Diego
2025 KPBS interviews KFS including Mike Baldwin: https://www.kpbs.org/news/environment/2025/01/21/kensington-residents-concerned-about-fire-risk-posed-by-illegal-encampments