Chief Marion Spann

Chief Marion Spann is the first Black woman in the city of Houston’s history to serve as its Fire Marshal. Appointed in November 2024 by Mayor John Whitmire, Chief Spann’s responsibilities in this role involve oversight of the Arson Bureau, including fire investigation, determining the origin and cause, intelligence, and prosecution. She also oversees the Life Safety Bureau of the Houston Fire Department, which includes inspection, education, code enforcement, and code development.

As Fire Marshal, she is a member of Fire Chief Thomas Munoz’s command staff, maintaining an advising role for important issues in the city. In this role, she is dedicated to streamlining the permitting and inspection process, increasing safety for anyone who lives, works, or plays in Houston and better serving the business community. She has presented before Houston City Council on issues like mobile food unit inspections, bar and nightclub code enforcement, and more.

Chief Spann joined the Houston Fire Department in 1994 after a friend encouraged her to explore joining the ranks. In 2000, HFD promoted Spann to Engineer Operator, making her the first Black woman to serve at that rank. From then on, Spann has been the first Black woman for each rank she has achieved in her 30-year career with the department. She holds industry credentials as a Master Fire Inspector. Over her illustrious career, her desire to help others and the camaraderie she has experienced within the organization have kept her not only in the fire department but also in the city of Houston.

Always the planner, Chief Spann lives by the motto “it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.” She encourages everyone to pursue their education and any certifications for their career path even if they feel it’s not required for them to move ahead in their field.

Chief Spann holds an Executive Master of Public Administration from Texas Southern University and a bachelor’s degree in public service leadership from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Spann is married to retired HFD Senior Captain Larry Spann, and the two enjoy traveling and playing tennis when she is off duty. Her daughter is currently pursuing a degree in education. She is honored to have been nominated for this award and humbled by her position in Houston’s history as a woman who has broken the mold.