Public Information Officer Eric Jackson shared the news with Beach Talk Radio that Sanibel has hired Ashlee Painter to the newly created position of Chief Resilience Officer.
The role was created to help the “community plan and prepare for current and future environmental challenges.”
Painter previously worked for the City of Oldsmar, FL
Jackson said, “ Hurricane Ian and the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton underscored the importance of such a position.”
Painter will:
– Lead the development and implementation of the City of Sanibel’s long-term resiliency plans
– Collaborate with government agencies, emergency management, environmental groups, residents, businesses and other stakeholders on resiliency initiatives
– Support coordination with the city’s public works, natural resources, and planning departments to implement hazard mitigation strategies, infrastructure upgrades, and resilient land use planning
– Inform property owners of methods to increase the resiliency of their properties
Painter said, “I am thrilled to be a part of the Sanibel team, working with the staff and community members to help the island become more resilient. Barrier islands present unique adaptation and mitigation challenges, and I’m looking forward to building upon the values set forth in the Sanibel Plan as we move toward a more resilient future.”
Jackson added that among Painter’s priorities are completing the city’s vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan, strengthening the island’s energy resilience, and actively pursuing grant funding to implement projects that will make Sanibel more resilient.