About

Todd Smith of Jacksonville has devoted his career to guiding emergency management, advancing public safety, and building systems that protect communities. His path reflects decades of leadership, education, and practical experience, with a focus on collaboration and accountability.

Commitment to Community Well-Being

At the center of his work is a belief in preparation and fairness. He views public safety as a responsibility built on teamwork and planning, ensuring that residents have dependable systems during times of crisis. His leadership style is grounded in supporting both immediate response and long-term resilience.

Leadership Experience

He has served in a range of leadership roles, including Emergency Manager, Fire and Rescue Director, Division Chief, Special Security Coordinator, and Urban Area Security Initiative Administrator. In each role, he guided the development of preparedness programs and promoted inclusion in operations, creating structures that improve emergency outcomes and strengthen coordination between agencies.

Educational Achievements

He has pursued advanced education to support his professional service. He earned a Ph.D. in Public Administration with High Academic Distinction, alongside an MBA, an MPA, a Graduate Executive Certificate in Public Administration, and a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science. These credentials enable him to connect academic insights to practical action in the field.

Professional Certifications

Todd Smith of Jacksonville is one of the few executives to hold multiple professional designations simultaneously. These include Chief Fire Officer, Florida Professional Emergency Manager, Certified Emergency Manager, and Master Exercise Practitioner. He also maintains certifications as a State Fire Officer I–IV and Pro-Board Fire Officer I–IV, with credentials in every Incident Command and General Staff role. His instructor qualifications allow him to share his knowledge and train the next generation of public safety professionals.

Career Foundations

His service began in 1992, when he entered the field of fire and rescue. He advanced through the ranks and later managed training for special operations, including urban search and rescue, hazardous materials response, shipboard firefighting, airport firefighting, and wildland-urban interface operations. These experiences provided him with practical insight into frontline challenges.

Recognition and Continued Service

Over the years, he has been honored with awards such as a Valor and Exceptional Service Award and a university excellence award. He sees these recognitions as acknowledgments of team effort rather than personal achievement. Today, Todd A Smith of Jacksonville continues to mentor colleagues, refine emergency strategies, and strengthen systems that keep communities safe and resilient.