About LILLIAN BONSIGNORE
Lillian Bonsignore is a nationally respected leader, public servant, and trailblazer in emergency medical services whose career has been defined by integrity, resilience, and historic firsts.
Career History
Born and raised in New York City, Lillian joined the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Emergency Medical Services in 1991. She began her journey as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), quickly proving herself to be a dedicated and highly capable responder. In the early years of her career, Lillian served on the front lines of countless emergencies including the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Her leadership potential was quickly recognized, and she steadily rose through the ranks. In 2002, she was promoted to Lieutenant, and in 2005, she advanced to Captain. As she climbed the leadership ladder, she became known not only for her operational excellence but also for her ability to lead with empathy, fairness, and determination. By 2009, she had achieved the rank of Deputy Chief. Less than ten years later, Lillian became a Deputy Assistant Chief, where she oversaw the largest EMS training academy in the country and managed over 13,000+ certifications as the Chief of EMS Training. She played a crucial role in shaping training, field operations, and emergency preparedness for EMS personnel across the city.
In May 2019, Lillian made history when she was appointed as the Chief of EMS Operations for the FDNY, becoming the first woman and first openly LGBTQ+ individual to hold this title in the department’s 155-year history. As Chief, she oversaw more than 4,000 EMTs, paramedics, and officers, managing the largest municipal EMS service in the country.
Her appointment marked a turning point—not just for the department, but for the broader culture of leadership and representation in public safety. During her tenure, Chief Bonsignore led the department through one of its most critical periods: the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, EMS personnel were deployed in historic numbers, responding to unprecedented call volumes while navigating personal risk, staffing challenges, and community need. She became a steadfast figure of calm and strength, not only for her department, but for the city of New York.
Leaving a Lasting Change
Throughout her career, Lillian has been a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion within emergency services. She has mentored countless EMS professionals and helped pave the way for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others traditionally underrepresented in public safety leadership. She is a sought-after speaker and panelist on topics ranging from crisis leadership, mental strength, resilience, women empowerment, effective team leading, motivation, and more.
Her story has been featured in Insider, The New York Times, and numerous industry publications. She has received several honors for her contributions, including leadership awards and recognition from advocacy organizations supporting women and LGBTQ+ professionals in uniformed services.
Sharing the Knowledge
Now retired from the FDNY, Lillian is a passionate speaker and mentor dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders—whether first responders, corporate professionals, LGBTQ+ youth, or women striving for confidence and leadership.
As a public speaker and motivational leader, her impact extends far beyond emergency response. She speaks on topics such as:
Lillian is deeply passionate about mentoring the next generation. She believes true leadership is about lifting others up, and she continues to do so through powerful speaking engagements, mentorship programs, and advocacy work.
Book Lillian for your next event!
Transform your next event into a powerful experience by booking Lillian Bonsignore as your next keynote speaker. With a distinguished career as Chief of EMS Operations, Lillian brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that transcends industries. Her ability to navigate high-pressure situations, lead diverse teams, and inspire transformative change equips her to engage audiences in any environment.