Smithfield's Todd Manni Recognized As 'Selfless Leader' During Crises

SMITHFIELD, RI — Without community leaders, Smithfield wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Dr. Dawn Bartz, Superintendent of Smithfield Public Schools, a Smithfield Patch reader who nominated Todd Manni.

How do you know this community leader?

We work together on crisis affecting the schools

What does this community leader do?

He is the Director of Emergency Management and Community Outreach for the Town of Smithfield

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

Todd is a selfless leader. We have had a number of emergencies in our town and our schools and Todd is always there to support, take charge and to collaboratively ensure that students and adults are safe and the situation managed. As the supt of schools, I call on Todd to assist me with crises and he is a trie partner. Some examples are below: (weather related - storms sending trees through the high school roof, tornadoes, flooding, etc.; physical injury - Todd is on scene at the worst accidents and coordinates services; when some of our families have lost their homes due to fires or other events, Todd's office coordinates with our school district leadership to ensure the families have support; ) Todd is also a member of our school district emergency operations task force. We plan for emergencies, do drills, and critically look at how we can do better. Todd assists us in the planning and the reviewing of drills. He has helped our team through tabletop drills, leading to excellent discussions and necessary changes in protocols. Also, when the Town Manager is away, Todd fills in. These are just some of the things he does.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

Todd is a selfless leader, he quietly and collaboratively manages emergencies and goes onto the next. He never seeks thanks. He is a true town hero.

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