The Board
As a section 21 not for profit company, the VWS is run by a Board of Directors that deals with the governance and strategic direction of the organisation. The Board includes directors drawn from within the VWS, as well as external directors who contribute their expertise and experience to the VWS.
Each of our four stations has a dedicated Station Management Team that deals with operational matters and ensures that the members are well trained, equipped and ready to respond to a call-out at a moment’s notice throughout the year. Station Management Teams are made up of unpaid volunteers from within our membership.
Gavin Silber
Gavin Silber has 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and programmes, organisational development, and philanthropy in service to social and environmental justice initiatives in South Africa and globally. His work focuses on building strong teams, resilient organisations, and partnerships that enable people and groups to do their best work and achieve meaningful change. Gavin joined VWS in 2021 as a firefighter and continues in this role. He was elected to the Board in 2025 and is currently the Chairperson, focusing on strategy, governance, and coordination.
Jeremy Rose
Jeremy Rose is an environmental scientist with expertise in impact management and policy development. He has accumulated more than 1,000 operational hours with the VWS, contributing across multiple operational roles. As Director: Operations, Jeremy applies this blend of field experience, scientific insight, and strategic leadership to help strengthen VWS’s operational capability, enhance safety and preparedness, and support the organisation’s continued growth and resilience.
Danny de Nobrega
Danny de Nobrega joined the Volunteer Wildfire Services in 2021 and remains an active-duty firefighter, now also serving as part of the Helitack Quick Reaction Force initiative. Outside of the fire line, he runs a strategic advertising and design agency, where he’s built deep experience in communication, brand building and stakeholder engagement, skills that can help the VWS strengthen its visibility, fundraising efforts and ability to attract new volunteers. With a blend of frontline experience and strategic know-how, Danny is committed to helping the organisation grow its support, build lasting partnerships and remain sustainable for the future, all while championing the volunteer spirit that defines the VWS.
Michelle Adler
Michelle Adler brings over 20 years of operations experience spanning the non-profit, commercial and social impact sectors. Known for her decisive leadership and strong people skills, she has led teams across development organisations and digital environments, with particular expertise in HR and project management.
Michelle’s background in organisations working within conditions of social and economic inequality gives her a grounded understanding of the challenges facing mission-driven organisations like VWS. Outside of work, she is an endurance athlete who has completed a full Ironman and the Comrades Marathon.
Michelle joined the VWS Board as an external director in 2026.
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