Nicholas White
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Nicholas White is the founder and CEO of Apex Resilience Group and a United States Marine Corps veteran with a strong background in wildland firefighting as a United States Forest Service Hotshot, commercial wildfire mitigation, utility wildfire oversight, and risk management within the Ultra High Net Worth insurance sector. His experience covers field operations, estate level mitigation, commercial property risk reduction, and regulatory support for utilities and high exposure communities.
Nicholas is a qualified Firefighter with firsthand operational experience on the fire line. This work provided a detailed understanding of fire behavior, structure exposure, and the real world conditions that influence incident outcomes. His experience expanded into risk management and wildfire mitigation for Ultra High Net Worth clients and commercial properties, where he supported defensible space planning, home hardening strategies, and strict insurance based mitigation requirements.
In the utility sector, Nicholas has contributed to Independent Evaluations and QAQC reviews for California Wildfire Mitigation Plans. His work includes vegetation mitigation verification, infrastructure hardening review, initiative analysis, and alignment with OEIS standards. Nicholas founded Apex Resilience Group to provide honest, practical, and defensible wildfire guidance grounded in real experience.
Stuart Mitchell, CWMS
Chief Wildfire Mitigation Officer
Stuart Mitchell is an NFPA Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist and brings unparalleled insights and expertise to the wildfire mitigation field. Having a keen eye on First Responder safety during his assessments, Stuart has personally evaluated 1000s of structures and communities including estates, HOAs, ranches, wineries, and commercial properties.
He has also produced an in-depth wildfire mitigation safety report for a utility-scale solar and BESS facility for RWE Clean Energy. He founded Wildfire Mitigation Advisors in 2019. In all he does he exemplifies the highest regard for risk reduction for people, properties, communities, and environmental assets.
Having advised countless Fire Safe Councils, Firewise USA designated communities, and wildfire start ups, Stuart’s passion for educating clients and communities on site specific mitigations and risk reduction measures is unique in its depth and holistic approach. As a former FEMA crisis counselor for fire survivors, and helping his community recover and prepare for firestorms, Stuart deeply understands what it takes to build and maintain wildfire resilience, both in terms of behavioral and physical adaptations. Mr. Mitchell also teaches wildfire classes for the U.S. Green Building Council, presents at conferences, is a volunteer Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team member, conducted structure protection missions during the 2020 Glass Fire, and has completed graduate studies in Environmental Health Management. His level of dedication and integrity make him a highly valued partner that attracts the best staff expertise and mission outcomes.
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Alayna Payne
Chief of Operations
Alayna Payne is the Chief of Operations for Apex Resilience Group and a United States Army veteran with a strong background in community wildfire resilience, prescribed burn planning support, hazard mitigation, and long term recovery efforts. She has supported the development of Community Wildfire Protection Plans and Local Hazard Mitigation Plans across several states, helping communities assess risk and strengthen preparedness.
Alayna’s experience includes prescribed burn coordination, community outreach, and wildfire program development. She has worked with local governments, emergency management offices, and wildfire organizations to evaluate wildfire exposure, prioritize mitigation projects, secure grants, and design practical strategies that align with federal and state guidance.
Alayna has contributed to resilience efforts through training, stakeholder coordination, public engagement, and wildfire mitigation planning. Her leadership and practical approach make her an essential part of Apex Resilience Group and a dependable resource for clients seeking support in wildfire resilience and hazard mitigation programs.