Taos Wynn, Interim, Chief Executive Officer

Committed to a belief that, “Everyone Matters, Everyone Deserves Respect, and Everyone Can Make a Difference,” Strategist, Community Organizer, and Human Rights Advocate, Taos Wynn was selected to join the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation (AFRF) as its first Chief Operating Officer and interim, Chief Executive Officer. A Georgia native and the youngest of two sons from a military family, Wynn brings a diverse perspective and proven record of success to the executive leadership team of the organization and the more than 1,000 men and women of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department.

A graduate of Emory University, Wynn holds a legislative, policy and nonprofit background that has elevated communities and causes in service to others. As a change agent, Wynn has participated in international missions trips, spearheaded community initiatives, in addition to founding the Perfect Love Foundation (a love centered organization focused on community outreach and engagement in the City of Atlanta). For his leadership, Wynn has been recognized as a National Point of Light Award recipient, an Outstanding Georgia Citizen, and received the prestigious City of Atlanta Phoenix Award - among other distinctions.

Wynn actively uses his voice to champion the causes he believes in. Whether as an orator or contributor and published writer, he is fervently committed to furthering the betterment of the city of Atlanta, state of Georgia and humanity at large - a passion he now brings to the fire rescue and public safety sector through the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation (AFRF). Taos Wynn proudly resides in Atlanta with his wife and daughter.

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Kristen Cascante, Corporate and Foundations Relations Coordinator

A newly created position for Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation, the Corporate and Foundations Relations role allows the organization to provide a more comprehensive level of fundraising and development and, as a result, provide meaningful impact to the 1,200 members of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. Kristen is a point person for sponsors, partners, donors, and grant opportunities, and to further enhance the experience of working with AFRF and AFRD. She’s also committed to sharing the extraordinary stories of Atlanta’s bravest men and women.

Prior to joining AFRF, Kristen coordinated events at Food Well Alliance, a nonprofit collaborative galvanizing community-driven agriculture to strengthen Atlanta’s urban food system. She was responsible for planning fundraising and marketing events, and cultivating meaningful relationships with sponsors, vendors, and volunteers.

Kristen studied Interactive Media from The College of New Jersey. Since graduation, she has made Atlanta and the community of Grove Park her home. The apple does not fall far as Kristen’s father is a Lieutenant for the Port Authority Police Department for New York and New Jersey, and a former Marine.

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Lamar Karim, Programs Coordinator

Programs are what drive the organization. They are the platform that AFRF and its sponsors, partners, and supporters rally around to provide funding for youth pathways, workforce initiatives, affordable housing, and essential equipment. As the Programs Coordinator, Lamar lends his perspective and leadership to fulfill the ongoing development, growth, and oversight of these mission-critical campaigns. 

Most recently, Lamar was a Recruit at the AFRD Training Academy where he earned his Advanced EMT certification and where he gained the knowledge and respect for what it takes to become a City of Atlanta firefighter. His leadership and team building experience comes from years of coaching, mentoring, and motivating others to prioritize goals and reach greatness through discipline and hard work. At Atlanta Public Schools, Lamar coordinated academic success programs as a graduation coach and mentored middle and high school students. Lamar enjoyed a 10-year career as a professional basketball player and point guard on competitive teams in 8 different European countries.

Lamar attended Georgia College and Kennesaw State on basketball scholarships. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from University of Phoenix. 

He is most proud of his role as husband to his wife of more than a decade, and father to his two children. 

Connect with Lamar on LinkedIn

Captain Craig Simmons, Cadet Program

AFRD Captain Craig Simmons (Retired), Program Director AFRD Cadet Program

Retired AFRD Captain Craig Simmons is the Program Director for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation’s AFRD Cadet Program. The AFRD Cadet Program is a six-month career exploration and youth pathway that introduces young men and women, ages 14-18, to careers in the fire and emergency medical services industries. Captain Simmons is responsible for recruiting interested students and overseeing the program.

In 2015, Capt. Simmons retired from the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) after 26.6 years of service to the citizens and visitors of the City of Atlanta. Simmons is a well-respected and admired Fire Captain and has trained and supervised numerous AFRD firefighters, including Fire Chief Roderick M. Smith. Throughout his career with AFRD, Capt. Simmons worked at Atlanta Fire Rescue Stations 1, 4, 23, 29, 38, and at the Inspections Division. Simmons served AFRD in numerous roles and as a state-certified instructor in the Atlanta Fire Rescue Training Division.

Capt. Simmons has been married to his wife of 34 years, Robin Simmons, and has four adult children. In his spare time, he is an avid golfer and enjoys long-distance bike rides along many of Georgia’s trails such as the Silver Comet, Panola Mountain, and South River Trail.