DISCOVER CAPE FEAR STRATEGY GROUP

                    Nicholas W. Todd, BS EMSA, AEMT

               Founder & CEO, Cape Fear Strategy Group  

     Nicholas is a distinguished public servant, strategist, and executive consultant with more than 18 years of experience in emergency medical services, government operations, public administration, and political strategy. As the Founder and CEO of Cape Fear Strategy Group, Nicholas has established himself as a trusted advisor to candidates, businesses, and public agencies across the Cape Fear region, known for his ability to combine practical leadership experience with strategic insight and results-driven execution.

     Nicholas served as the Division Chief of Procurement & Logistics for Brunswick County EMS, where overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, countywide procurement operations, contract management, technology upgrades, and fleet readiness for one of the fastest-growing EMS systems in North Carolina. In this role, he implemented advanced inventory and narcotics tracking systems, led countywide radio modernization initiatives, collaborated with Legal, Finance, and Health & Human Services on compliance and purchasing reforms, and maintained regulatory readiness with the North Carolina Office of EMS. His leadership enhanced operational efficiency, strengthened oversight, and improved the infrastructure supporting emergency medical response throughout the county.

     Before his tenure with Brunswick County, Nicholas served as the Assistant Chief of Calabash EMS/Rescue, where he managed daily operations for a combination paid and volunteer department serving a rapidly expanding coastal community. His responsibilities included staffing, payroll, training oversight, fleet management, equipment procurement, policy development, and providing frontline command leadership during emergency responses. This role reinforced his reputation for operational discipline, responsible resource management, and the ability to lead diverse teams under pressure. Nicholas also previously worked as an Advanced EMT with Pender EMS & Fire, responding to medical emergencies, participating in mass-casualty operations, and serving on the Safety and Risk Management Committee.

     As a consultant, Nicholas has built a strong reputation in political strategy and campaign management throughout Brunswick County and the surrounding region. He has managed multiple winning political campaigns, delivering comprehensive strategies that include message development, voter outreach planning, branding, digital communications, and fundraising infrastructure. His work has supported sheriffs, mayors, commissioners, and community leaders seeking to elevate their influence, strengthen their public presence, and connect authentically with voters. His campaign success has positioned Cape Fear Strategy Group as a leading regional resource for political planning, creative services, and candidate development.

     In addition to political strategy, Nicholas provides comprehensive consulting services through Cape Fear Strategy Group, including strategic planning, business development, branding, social media management, digital communication, website design and hosting, and customized printing and promotional solutions. His ability to merge government experience with private-sector strategy allows him to deliver tailored, practical solutions that help organizations grow, strengthen their presence, and communicate with confidence. He also serves as an instructor and consultant with EMS Wizard, developing leadership programs, supporting accreditation initiatives, and developing operational improvement plans for agencies across the region.

     Nicholas holds a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services Administration. He is completing his Master of Public Administration and holds advanced certifications in incident command, leadership, procurement, and EMS operations. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his commitment to public service, operational excellence, and community-focused leadership. Nicholas founded Cape Fear Strategy Group with a clear mission: to empower campaigns, businesses, and public agencies with the strategic direction, messaging, and tools they need to succeed in a competitive environment. His diverse background gives him a unique ability to provide clients with informed, practical guidance that helps them grow, lead, and win.

                      Steven P. Barger, MS, FO, NRP

              Senior Advisor, Cape Fear Strategy Group 

     Steven is an accomplished public safety executive, strategic advisor, and community leader with more than two decades of frontline, administrative, and command-level experience across fire, EMS, law enforcement, disaster planning, and community risk reduction. Known for his professionalism, leadership, and commitment to best practices, Steven brings a multi-disciplinary perspective that strengthens organizational performance and supports forward-thinking strategies for public agencies, civic leaders, and political campaigns. 

     Steven served as a Public Safety Lieutenant with the Bald Head Island Department of Public Safety, overseeing fire, law enforcement, water rescue, and technical rescue operations. In this role, he supervised personnel, managed training programs, directed incident command functions, and led critical apparatus replacement and procurement initiatives. He co-authored disaster response and risk-reduction plans tailored to the unique challenges of an island community and delivered public-facing preparedness initiatives to strengthen community resilience. 

    Before his tenure on Bald Head Island, Steven served as a Lieutenant and fill-in Battalion Chief with Pender EMS & Fire, overseeing seven stations and countywide emergency operations across more than 900 square miles. His responsibilities included staffing, payroll, special operations budgeting, procurement, and the development and revision of Standard Operating Guidelines. He also led training efforts for both career and volunteer personnel, building skills-based competency programs that enhanced readiness and performance. 

     Steven also brings extensive frontline experience from Horry County Fire Rescue, where he worked as a Firefighter/Paramedic serving the greater Myrtle Beach area. His work included fire suppression, marine rescue operations, large-event medical response, and fire apparatus design. In addition, he previously served as Chief of Department for Calabash EMS/Rescue, overseeing administration, budgeting, policy development, skills assessment, and recruitment for a combination paid/volunteer agency. 

     Beyond public safety leadership, Steven has been deeply involved in civic service and community affairs. He has served as Chairman of the Brunswick County School Board and Mayor Pro Tempore of the City of Boiling Spring Lakes, providing strategic governance, policy direction, and community engagement. His leadership and impact have earned notable recognition, including South Brunswick Magazine’s Future 10 (2022)and Wilmington’s 40 Under 40 (2020). 

     In addition to his public service work, Steven has contributed to multiple local political campaigns, providing insight on community engagement, messaging, and leadership communication. His background as a trusted public leader positions him as a valuable resource for candidates seeking to connect authentically with voters and strengthen their campaign strategies.

     Steven holds a Master of Science in Executive Leadership & Occupational Health and Safety, a Bachelor of Science in Emergency and Fire Service Administration, and an Associate of Science in Fire Administration, supported by extensive professional certifications in leadership, law enforcement, fire service, and paramedicine. His credentials include IFSAC Fire Officer III, NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certification, CPSE Fire Officer designation, National Paramedic Certification, and completion of the UNC Advanced Leadership Corps. 

     As a Senior Advisor with Cape Fear Strategy Group, Steven brings unmatched expertise in emergency services administration, community risk reduction, leadership development, crisis planning, public safety operations, and political insight. His experience and proven leadership make him a trusted advisor to public agencies, community leaders, and campaign teams across the region.