John A. Welling, III, Supervisory Fire Protection Engineer in the Facilities Management Division Safety, Risk Management and Environmental Branch.
In the fall of 2024, Mid-Atlantic PBS created a new Fire Protection Engineering section, led by John A. Welling, III, within our Facilities Management Division Safety, Risk Management and Environmental Branch.
This new Fire Protection Engineering section better aligns with program risks, staffing, and the unique nature of the fire protection program. As section chief, Welling will lead our team of fire protection engineers to provide oversight of complex and high-risk projects; interpret and implement fire safety policy; ensure regional consistency on fire protection issues; and provide employee mentorship and development.
Welling’s service at GSA began in February 2022 as a Regional Fire Protection Engineer. In that time, he has worked on several high-profile projects including the new Sylvia H. Rambo Courthouse in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Prior to joining GSA, Welling’s most recent position in his 30-year career was as the Director, Environmental Health and Safety and Emergency Services, with responsibility for the health and safety of over 12,000 employees at 14 facilities in the U.S. and U.K. Previously, Welling was employed with the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The fire protection program is unlike any other program in GSA because of its scope and the responsibility granted to fire protection engineers. Virtually every GSA owned and leased space-related project must be reviewed and approved by a fire protection engineer, often at several different phases.
Welling states about his new role, “I am excited to lead an incredible team of fire protection engineers. Our mission is to ensure that our facilities are safe for employees, contractors and visitors on a daily basis. There is no higher calling than to make a difference in the overall safety of our colleagues. Together as a team we make a positive impact every day!”
Welling holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Welling has been involved in the emergency services since 1979 and serves as a planning manager with NJ-TF1, one of FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue teams. He is a certified Emergency Medical Technician, Hazardous Materials Technician, and is a registered fire official and professional engineer in both New Jersey and Delaware.
This article is part of the Winter issue of the FOCUS newsletter. Please visit the Focus Newsletter page .
U.S. General Services Administration