Wanda Stafford has distinguished herself over the past 32 years in the field of public service. She began her career in the Holmes County Clerk’s Office as a Deputy Clerk in 1988. In 1991 she then transferred under the Board of County Commissioners as their Administrative Assistant. It was during this time she held the positions of Part-time Emergency Management Director, Recycling Coordinator, Safety Coordinator, and 911 Coordinator. In 1992, she began what would be her life long career when the Board appointed her as the first full time Emergency Management Director for Holmes County. Because of her expertise, she developed plans, policies, and procedures for the first Holmes County Emergency Management Program. She maintained the readiness capability of the Holmes County Emergency Program/Operations for peacetime emergencies, natural disasters, and other situations that would impede on the safety and welfare of the citizens of Holmes County. Because of her knowledge and abilities, in 2014 she was selected to serve as the new Region 1 Coordinator for the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management and served in that position for five years. Mrs. Stafford was awarded the “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 2016 Governor’s Hurricane Conference for 28 years of distinguished, public service. While serving as part of the Regional Coordinator’s Team, her Team was awarded the 2017 “Bob Lay Emergency Management Award” for a history of service above and beyond the call of duty and excellence shown in assisting Florida’s emergency management community with hurricane preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. She is a consummate professional and demonstrates a lifelong effort of support to her community and the Great State of Florida.