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File #: 23-700    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Memo Status: Passed
File created: 8/21/2023 Departments: COUNTY EXECUTIVE
On agenda: 9/12/2023 Final action: 9/12/2023
Title: Recommendation to confirm the appointment of Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar as Director of the Department of Emergency Management.
Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority

To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Subject: Confirmation of Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar as Director of the Department of Emergency Management

RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation to confirm the appointment of Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar as Director of the Department of Emergency Management.

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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
The County has conducted an extensive recruitment for the position of Director of the Department of Emergency Management. Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar has been appointed by the County Executive as the best candidate for this position based on her leadership abilities and broad emergency preparation and response experience.

Dr. Dhapodkar has been with the County since 2016 and currently serves as Emergency Manager/Deputy Medical Health Operational Area Coordinator at San Mateo County Health. In this capacity, she develops and implements emergency plans, oversees emergency response operations and fosters strategic partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure effective coordination in preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery from disasters. Additionally, she played a critical role during the County's response to the pandemic, which included establishing a model drive-through vaccination center. Prior to joining the County, Dr. Dhapodkar had her own health care consulting firm and also served as a practicing physician.

Dr. Dhapodkar has specialized training in incident command and has served in leadership roles in numerous professional organizations with experience in policy development and emergency response. She is currently a candidate for the Masters of Art in Homeland Security and Defense from the Naval Postgraduate School. Additionally, she holds a Doctor of Medicine and two Bachelor of Science degrees.

The Charter requires the Board of Supervisors to confirm appointments of department heads nominated by the County Exe...

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