Sandra Tapfumaneyi has served as the Chief of Emergency Management for Sarasota County since January 2024. She led the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) through the historic 2024 hurricane season, including Hurricane Milton which made landfall in Sarasota County. Sandra previously served as Chief of Lee County Emergency Management and was recognized as the Chad Reed Emergency Management Professional of the Year by the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association in 2023.

In 2022, Sandra served as the Incident Commander of the Lee County Emergency Operations Center during Hurricane Ian, one of the most catastrophic hurricanes to hit the United States. Under her leadership, Sandra’s team worked diligently to stabilize the impacted community and successfully manage the massive response from state and federal partner agencies.  In 2019, Sandra served as the Bay County Emergency Operations Center Human Services Branch Director after Category 5 Hurricane Michael made landfall in their community.

Sandra’s more than 22 years of professional experience includes serving in various roles such as the Director of Lee County Domestic Animal Services, Operations Section Chief for Lee County Emergency Management, an emergency management consultant for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a human rights intern for President Jimmy Carter at the Atlanta-based Carter Center.

Sandra holds a Master’s Degree in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University and a Bachelor’s of Arts in International Relations and Global Affairs from Eckerd College.