Sandra Tapfumaneyi

At-a-Glance

Recognized as the Chad Reed Emergency Management Professional of the Year in 2023 by the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association.
Received the 2023 Bob Lay Award from the Governor’s Hurricane Conference for her efforts during Hurricane Ian.
Serves as Division Chief of Emergency Management at Sarasota County since January 2024.
Led County Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) during Hurricane Milton (2024) and Hurricane Ian (2022).
Played an integral role in the development of a domestic and international humanitarian assistance program for the CDC.
Holds an MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University School of International Service.
Holds a BA in International Relations and Global Affairs from Eckerd College.

Biography

Sandra Tapfumaneyi has served as the Division Chief of Emergency Management for Sarasota County since January 2024. In this role, she led the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) through the historic 2024 hurricane season, including the response to Hurricane Milton, which made landfall in Sarasota County.

Prior to her current position, Ms. Tapfumaneyi was the Chief of Lee County Emergency Management, where she acted as the Incident Commander of the County EOC during Hurricane Ian in 2022.