Biographies

Miami-Dade Emergency Management Director Curtis Sommerhoff has spent his career involved in a broad spectrum of emergency management issues ranging from addressing water and wastewater emergencies to managing radiological plans to overseeing health and medical programs.

Since his appointment in 2009, Miami-Dade's Department of Emergency Management has effectively coordinated relief and repatriation efforts following the earthquake in Haiti; prepared for the potential impact of the H1N1 virus and the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill; supported public safety agencies during Super Bowl XLIV; and overseen major enhancements of the Emergency Operations Center, the nucleus for Miami-Dade County's emergency response and recovery efforts.

Sommerhoff has served during 8 Presidentially Declared or Major Disaster Declarations, including Hurricanes Wilma and Katrina; and initiated a Hurricane Preparedness Training Program for Miami-Dade County's workforce winning him the coveted Employee Suggestion Program Manager's Grand Award.

Sommerhoff is a Florida Professional Emergency Manager who has testified before members of the United States Senate on preparedness issues.  He previously served as Emergency Manager for the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Manager of Miami-Dade County's 311 Answer Center, and as a United States Marine during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.