Darby Dennis

About Darby Dennis

Dynamic and results-driven Emergency Management Specialist with extensive experience in disaster recovery, grant management, and public assistance programs. Proficient in navigating complex operational environments, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and implementing data-driven solutions to enhance disaster resilience. Holds a Master’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management from Georgetown University, complemented by a strong foundation in FEMA protocols, policy interpretation, and individual and public assistance programs.

Experience

1. Disaster Fiscal Recovery Specialist

   Sarasota County Government

   Jul 2025 — Present · Sarasota County, FL, US

   Collaborating with County departments to ensure disaster recovery efforts follow federal guidelines and best practices. Providing guidance and support to staff and stakeholders throughout all phases of disaster recovery. Overseeing the full disaster claims process, including documentation, site inspections, and submission of final reports to FEMA and other agencies. Coordinating communications with federal and state agencies, scheduling meetings and site visits, and tracking outstanding requests. Managing disaster grant finances, including budget monitoring, financial reporting, and prioritization of recovery funding needs. Researching and applying relevant regulations to ensure compliance with disaster finance requirements; assessing and communicating impacts of policy changes. Maintaining and using databases to generate detailed grant and project reports; analyzing findings and implementing solutions based on data.

Education

• Georgetown University

  Master of Professional Studies, Emergency and Disaster Management

  2017 — 2020

• University of North Texas

  Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science (BAAS), Applied Technology and Performance Improvement

  2014

Skills

• Teamwork
• Interviews
• Leadership Development
• Intercultural Communication
• Communication Training
• Risk Assessment
• Social Networking
• Fundraising
• Nonprofits
• Agile Project Management
• Big Box
• Multi-Unit
• Research
• Charismatic Leadership
• Event Planning
• Online Marketing
• Public Speaking
• Communication Systems
• Hiring
• Retail Sales
• Law Enforcement
• Emergency Management
• Small Business
• Cross-Cultural Communication Skills
• Teaching
• Entrepreneurship
• Cashiering
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Social Media
• Online Communications
• Criminal Justice
• Technical Presentations
• Planograms
• Project Management
• Store Operations
• Customer Service
• Energetic Leader
• Training
• Customer Satisfaction
• Advertising