Sean Snyder Recognized for Advancing Emergency Preparedness in Iowa

You'll want to remember this moment. Help us record what's happening in Decorah. The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office and the Winneshiek County Emergency Management Commission announced that Sean Snyder, Winneshiek County emergency management coordinator, has been named Emergency Manager of the Year by the Iowa Emergency Management Association. The award recognizes the accomplishments of an emergency management professional and leader whose actions made a significant impact in advancing the emergency management profession in Iowa during the previous calendar year. According to the association, the recipient's dedication to emergency management must demonstrate lasting improvements to preparedness, response and recovery capabilities within their community and across Iowa, while positively influencing collaboration among agencies and levels of government. Snyder was nominated for the award by Mandy Bieber, Delaware County emergency management coordinator. "In the past year, Sean has dealt with flooding in his community," Bieber wrote in the nomination. "He handled a unique situation where the Iowa Individual Assistance (IA)/Disaster Case Advocacy (DCA) program was not established. Sean has been navigating this system with grace and poise, while at the same time advocating for both his citizens and the rest of the emergency management community who will have to use this program in the future." Bieber also cited Snyder's leadership within the Iowa Emergency Management Association. "In addition, Sean has served for the last few years on the leadership team for the Iowa Emergency Management Association (IEMA)," Bieber wrote. "This is a time-consuming extra duty that is all voluntary. He has done an extraordinary job of navigating situations that have not faced any other IEMA leader due to the political climate at both the state and federal levels." She also highlighted Snyder's continued professional development and his work in emergency communications. "He has continued his own personal growth in achieving his Emergency Number Professional (ENP) credential," Bieber wrote. "This credential is a very difficult test, along with proving training and proficiency in the 911 realm, which is part of Sean's duties as the Winneshiek County Emergency Management Coordinator." Bieber said she witnessed firsthand the respect Snyder has earned from emergency responders in Winneshiek County. "I viewed Sean's interaction with his community at a debriefing and witnessed firsthand the respect for him at the local level from his emergency responders," Bieber wrote. "For these reasons, Sean should be the 2026 Emergency Management Coordinator of the Year." Under Snyder's leadership, Winneshiek County Emergency Management has continued developing and expanding emergency management services throughout the county. "I am honored to be recognized for such a distinguished award, and it has been a privilege to serve the residents of Winneshiek County," Snyder said. "This wouldn't have been possible without the support and direction of the Winneshiek County Emergency Management Commission." Snyder began his career with the Winneshiek County Emergency Management Agency in 2015. The Winneshiek County Emergency Management Commission is composed of the mayors of Winneshiek County municipalities, one member of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors and the county sheriff. The commission oversees the county's emergency management agency, which assists communities in preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies and disasters. Your inbox, upgraded! Subscribe for free and enjoy handpicked stories, helpful advice, and local insights delivered weekly.