HOUSTON – The Houston Fire Department is moving two experienced leaders into new roles, including the woman who made history as the department’s first Black female fire marshal.
Marion Spann has been appointed to Executive Chief of Organizational Support, Houston Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz announced. Byron Robinson, a longtime inspector and fire prevention specialist, will succeed Spann as Fire Marshal.
The appointments were recognized before Houston City Council on Wednesday.
Spann’s promotion adds another milestone to a 32-year career with HFD. Since joining the department in 1994, she has become the first Black woman to serve as an engineer operator, inspector, senior inspector and chief inspector.
She also previously led the Fire Marshal’s Office. In 2024, Spann became the first Black woman to hold that position in Houston, overseeing fire investigations, prevention programs, inspections and code enforcement.
Her new role will place her over the department’s organizational support operations. She succeeds Executive Assistant Chief Rodney West, who retired after 36 years with HFD.
Robinson brings 30 years of experience to the Fire Marshal’s Office. More than two decades of that time was spent in the Inspection Division of HFD’s Life Safety Bureau.
Before becoming an assistant chief, Robinson served for more than nine years as chief inspector of the department’s High-Rise team. He oversaw inspections involving fire protection and life safety in some of Houston’s largest and most complicated buildings.
Robinson also played a role in the city’s Construction Code Modernization Project, which updated fire and life safety standards affecting Houston’s residents, businesses and buildings.
“These appointments reflect the experience and leadership we have within our own ranks,” Muñoz said. “Chief Spann has spent her career breaking barriers and leading with purpose, while Chief Robinson brings decades of fire prevention and inspection experience to the Fire Marshal’s Office.”
Muñoz said he has confidence in both leaders as the department continues to evolve.
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