Shanti Smith-Copeland, EdD, FPEM, CEM

Director of Emergency Management

Dr. Smith-Copeland is the Director of Emergency Management at iParametrics and brings over two decades of experience in crisis and emergency management. She is a recognized leader in the field, particularly for her ability to navigate the complex intersection of disaster response and political dynamics. Dr. Smith-Copeland has led some of the most challenging disaster response operations, with her leadership proving vital in addressing operational and political complexities. Her career includes roles such as Deputy Bureau Chief of Preparedness, Tech Hazards Section Chief, Incident Commander for the State of Florida, and local emergency manager before transitioning to the private sector.

She has supported 38 federally declared disasters across FEMA Regions 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7, providing expertise in Disaster Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Grant Management. She has augmented Emergency Operations Center staff and filled key Incident Management Team roles, including Plans Chief, Logistics Chief, Liaison Officer, and Type 3 Incident Commander.

Her leadership spans disasters from the 2005 Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma to recent storms, including Ian, Idalia, Debby, Helene, and Milton. She has also led during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Deepwater Horizon spill, and the 2010 Haitian repatriation incident.

Dr. Smith-Copeland earned an EdD in Leadership and Organizational Innovation from Marymount University, a Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management, and a Master’s in Sports Administration from Florida State University, as well as a Bachelor’s in Marine Science from Jacksonville University. She serves as Board President for Jacksonville University Friends of Rowing and is a Board Member of Faithful Servant Missions in Costa Rica.

Years of Experience: over 20 years