MANSFIELD — Sarah Potes said a long-term career in emergency management is something she’s always wanted.
A lifelong resident of Richland County, Potes said her time serving in a support role at the Richland County Emergency Management Agency — from January 2022 to August 2024 — sparked her passion for the job.
She also served as the agency’s interim director from September to December 2022.
“That’s what I decided to finish my education (in), is getting a bachelor’s degree in emergency management,” she said Thursday. “It’s important to me to be a part of the community and to make sure the community is prepared and protected.”
A 2003 Mansfield Christian High School graduate, she also earned an associate’s degree in business administration — also from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
On Thursday, the Richland County Board of Commissioners appointed Potes as the new county EMA director. The appointment comes just one week after commissioners approved the resignation of Rebecca Owens, the agency’s former director.
“Any opportunity to bring someone back, that we didn’t want to leave, who gained some very valuable experience was a no-brainer from where I sit,” said Commissioner Tony Vero.
Potes will begin her new role on May 8 and will be paid $63,502.40 annually, Vero said.
Valuable experience as grants specialist
In the summer of 2024, Potes began work as a grants specialist for the state EMA. She handled grant coordination for EMA agencies in 24 counties across Ohio.
Vero said Potes’ additional experience gained during her time serving the state will be beneficial to Richland County taxpayers.
Commissioner Darrell Banks said he appreciated her initiative to pursue an education rooted in emergency management.
“We liked what we had before with her (Potes), so we’re very encouraged to have her with us now with more experience and more education,” Banks said.
(Below is a PDF of commissioners’ official press release regarding the appointment of Potes as EMA director.)
Ready to get to work
Potes said she knows how important the responsibilities of the agency are to alert the community of severe weather threats, as well as responding during the aftermath.
Several incidents have caused destruction in Richland County over the past few years, including an F2 tornado which ripped through Plymouth Township in March 2024.
That twister was the third confirmed tornado in Richland County in the last five years, including April 2019 in Shelby and June 2022 in a wooded area of a southeastern portion of the county.
“The EMA plays a huge factor in helping citizens to prepare for all emergencies, especially weather-related in Ohio,” Potes said.
“I truly do appreciate the opportunity and I am very excited to come back to Richland County to work with the commissioners and all the community partners.”