Garland announced on Oct. 5 that Tamara Snedeker has joined the city as its Emergency Management Administrator. Snedeker is a Certified Emergency Manager with more than ten years of experience coordinating disaster‑preparedness, response planning, and inter‑agency cooperation.

Professional background focused on protecting families

Throughout her career, Snedeker has worked side‑by‑side with local, county, state and federal partners to strengthen emergency readiness. She has helped develop regional and multistate evacuation plans and designed training exercises that ensure first‑responders are prepared for any crisis. Notable assignments include serving as Planning Section Chief for the state Emergency Operations Center during the East Palestine train derailment, assisting in the response to the Key Bridge collapse, and supporting recent repatriation efforts.

Experience with major special events and national security

Snedeker has also coordinated security and preparedness for large‑scale special events, including National Special Security Events, emphasizing the importance of robust planning to keep citizens safe. Her focus on building strong partnerships and ensuring teams have the necessary plans, training, and resources aligns with Garland’s commitment to safeguarding its neighborhoods.

Volunteer service and community involvement

Beyond her professional duties, Snedeker volunteers as an instructor and planner with the Consortium for Humanitarianism Service and Education, where she helps train emergency responders through hands‑on exercises. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management/Homeland Security from American Military University and maintains FEMA Advanced Professional Series and Instructor certifications. The International Association of Emergency Managers recognized her as one of its Region 3 Top 40 Under 40.

Family values at the heart of her service

Snedeker’s personal life reflects the same dedication to family that she brings to her public role. She is a proud mother of three: a daughter who served in the U.S. Air Force, another daughter pursuing veterinary school, and a son finishing high school. In her free time she enjoys baseball and hockey games, fishing, kayaking, hiking, theater performances, and concerts—activities that keep her connected to the community she now serves.

Garland’s City Council looks forward to the expertise Snedeker brings as the city continues to enhance its emergency management capabilities, ensuring that families and neighborhoods remain safe and resilient in the face of any disaster.

Original reporting: City of Garland News Flash — read the source article.