Todd Smith Jacksonville
Emergency Manager, Fire and Rescue Director
Jacksonville, Florida
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Summary
Todd Smith of Jacksonville is a published executive recognized for leadership in government relations and community safety. With decades of professional training, education, and executive experience, he has delivered high-level public administration expertise at the local, state, and national levels. His career centers on protecting families and communities while advancing effective public policy. He works closely with elected officials and private sector leaders to design legislative strategies that strengthen public safety, resilience, and long-term community well-being.
Dr. Smith has served in senior roles including Emergency Manager, Fire and Rescue Director, Division Chief, Special Security Coordinator, and Urban Area Security Initiative Administrator. Throughout these assignments, he has been credited with developing comprehensive preparedness and response programs that improved operational readiness. His leadership emphasized inclusive practices and collaborative planning, helping organizations refine emergency operations while meeting the evolving needs of diverse populations across metropolitan and regional jurisdictions.
Academically, Dr. Smith holds an extensive portfolio of advanced degrees that reflect his commitment to lifelong learning and executive excellence. He earned a PhD in Public Administration with High Academic Distinction, along with master’s degrees in Business Administration and Public Administration. His education also includes a Graduate Executive Certificate in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, providing a strong foundation that integrates leadership, policy analysis, and operational command.
Todd Smith of Jacksonville is uniquely distinguished as the only public safety executive nationwide to hold an exceptional range of professional credentials concurrently. These include Chief Fire Officer, Florida Professional Emergency Manager, Certified Emergency Manager, and Master Exercise Practitioner. He is credentialed in all Incident Command and General Staff positions, certified to instruct FEMA command courses, and holds multiple state and national fire officer certifications reflecting unmatched professional breadth.
His public service career began in 1992, with steady advancement through the ranks of the fire and rescue service. He later served as Special Operations Training Manager, overseeing urban search and rescue, hazardous materials, airport firefighting, wildland interface, and shipboard operations. Dr. Smith has received numerous awards recognizing valor, service, and academic excellence, underscoring a career defined by dedication, leadership, and lasting contributions to public safety.
