Description

Check-in & Networking 11:30AM-12:00PM
Program 12:00-1:00PM

As hurricane season kicks-off in June, join us for an informative panel to hear lessons learned, best practices and what resources are available from some of our small and large business partners as we prepare for an active storm season.

Arrive before the program begins to learn from member businesses on resources they offer to help you and your business prepare and recover from a hurricane.

Moderator

Devaney Iglesias, Area Manager - Florida Power & Light

Devaney Iglesias is Florida Power & Light’s Area Manager for Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto, Hardee and Highlands counties. Devaney has been with FPL for over six years and in her current role is responsible for managing strong governmental, business and community relations and supports them in navigating through development projects and new programs. During storm season and/or other emergencies, she serves as FPL’s incident commander at the local emergency operations centers.

Speakers

Abby Elliott, Sr. Director of Operations - Oysters Rock Hospitality

Abby is an experienced operations professional with a strong foundation in hospitality, property management, and team leadership. Her career began as a flight attendant, where she developed a deep appreciation for service, safety, and adaptability in high-pressure environments. From there, she transitioned into property management, where she managed day-to-day operations, property upkeep and a strong focus on customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Currently, she serve as the Sr. Director of Operations for Oysters Rock Hospitality, where she leads with a people-first mindset, oversees business performance, and helps build systems that support team success and consistent guest experiences. She's passionate about cultivating positive work cultures, streamlining operations, and driving results through hands-on leadership.

Whether in the air, on-site, or on the floor, her goal is always the same: deliver excellence, lead with integrity, and help teams thrive.

Jodie Fiske, Director of Public Safety - Manatee County Government

Jodie Fiske is the Director of Public Safety for Manatee County Florida. The Public Safety Department is comprised of five divisions and over 400 team members. Under her leadership, Manatee County navigated the complex responses to Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton in the historic 2024 Storm Season.

Before joining the team at Manatee County in November of 2022, Jodie served as the Region 6 Emergency Response Coordinator and Supervisor of the Regional Response Coordination Team with the Florida Division of Emergency Management. During her time with FDEM, Jodie responded to multiple hurricanes including Michael and Ian, the Parkland School Shooting, the NAS Naval Base Shooting, the Surfside Building collapse in Miami Dade, and multiple other emergencies around the State of Florida from 2017 to 2022. In 2022, Jodie was deployed to Kentucky for the devastating flooding that took place along with the FDEM Incident Management Team for Regions 4 and 6.

Jodie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from George Mason University and a master’s degree in emergency management and Homeland Security from Kaplan University. Jodie currently resides in Manatee County with her husband Justin, and their three children Madison, Kyle, and Anna.

David St Pierre, Senior Director of Public Safety & Security - Seaport Manatee

As Senior Director of Public Safety & Security, Mr. David St.Pierre is responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of the port’s security and emergency action plans and manages the daily activities of the SeaPort Manatee security department. He also oversees the port’s licensing and permitting programs. In addition to his routine duties Mr. St.Pierre is the course writer and lead instructor for the port’s certified Facility Security Officer (FSO) training program.

He retired from the United States Coast Guard in 2002 after 22 years of honorable service and has been employed at Port Manatee since 2005.

Mr. St. Pierre holds a degree in Homeland Security from Keiser University, is a Certified Port Executive and a member of the Tampa Bay - Area Maritime Security Committee.

Sandra Tapfumaneyi, FPEM, CPM - Chief of Sarasota County Emergency Management

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 three historic hurricanes in 2024, 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.