Rachel Ingle
Rachel Ingle, CEM, is an accomplished Emergency Management and Critical Infrastructure Senior Advisor with extensive experience leading preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation initiatives across local, state, and federal levels of government. Currently serving as Emergency Manager for the City of Sarasota, Rachel brings over two decades of experience in emergency management, homeland security, and disaster response. Her expertise lies in developing and implementing strategies that strengthen community resilience, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure effective crisis coordination among multidisciplinary teams.
Throughout her career, Rachel has held key leadership roles with organizations such as the City of San Marcos, Texas; Witt O'Brien's; and IEM in Puerto Rico, specializing in preparedness, response, and recovery where she led large-scale emergency response and recovery operations. Her work has focused on counterterrorism, disaster preparedness, and strategic response planning, helping jurisdictions enhance operational readiness and streamline interagency collaboration. Rachel’s hands-on experience in both the public and private sectors has earned her recognition as a trusted advisor in emergency management.
Rachel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management and Homeland Security from Jacksonville State University and completed the Leadership in Crises Executive Education Program at the Harvard University - Kennedy School of Government. A Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) through the International Association of Emergency Managers, she remains dedicated to advancing the field through mentorship, training, and advocacy. Her leadership philosophy centers on proactive preparedness, continuous learning, and empowering communities to build resilience in the face of evolving threats.
• Leadership in Crises
• Harvard Kennedy School
• International Association of Emergency Management
What do you attribute your success to?
Having grit and determination, great leaders who invested in me and guided me, and my friends and colleagues who are always there and support me among my journey.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay focused on your goals and dreams, reach out to your mentors for guidance, don’t give up in the face of adversity, don’t be afraid to dig your heels in and get motivated to be successful.
You are the driving force of your success - don’t allow anyone else to determine that for you.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Dedication is one of the core values that guides me both professionally and personally. I take great pride in my work and am deeply committed to excellence in every task I undertake. One of my proudest professional achievements was being part of the design, testing , and fielding of the M50 protective mask worn across all branches of the military implementing standardization in Gas Mass across all branches of the military—a project that enhanced efficiency, safety, and collaboration across multiple sectors.