2026 Annual Conference: Chiefs' Issues

Friday, October 16th, 12:30 - 4:00 pm | Afternoon Session

Sharpening the Tools in Your Leadership Toolbox
Ron Hultgren, Ph.D and Mike Dobesh, Fire Chief, Richfield (Ret.)

Session Description

This session will provide an overview of leadership tools for every leader. While leadership theories are abundant, there are few practical takeaways. This session will discuss theory and provide insight into tangible practices that leaders can implement.

Regardless of your current stage in your leadership journey, you will gain new insights. Even the most experienced leaders may feel stuck at times, and this session will highlight sharpening those tools to overcome those challenges.

Ron Hultgren, Ph.D

Dr. Hultgren, president and owner of Above the Line Leaders International, has a 30-year career spanning diverse industries across multiple continents. As a former partner in The AWL Group and adjunct professor of leadership studies, he combines practical and theoretical leadership knowledge.

He’s passionate about helping leaders build high-performance organizations using authentic action and trust-based influence. His Authentic Leadership model helps discern real issues from symptoms and map out long-term solutions.

Dr. Hultgren teaches on topics like aligned action, influencing for unity, change management, emotional intelligence, and team performance optimization. His strategy process and Authentic Action program have been highly regarded by Fortune 100 executives and implemented at universities and organizations.

Mike Dobesh

Mike Dobesh, a seasoned firefighter with 29 years of experience, recently retired as the Fire Chief of the Richfield Fire Department. 

A co-founder of the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE), he currently serves as the President of the Board. Dobesh holds a master’s degree in public administration from Hamline University. 

Throughout his career, Dobesh was driven by a passion for firefighter health and safety. In retirement, he has embarked on a mission to enhance training, expand leadership within the Fire Service, and foster collaboration with its strategic partners.