A longtime emergency management leader is stepping into a new role at the top of Seneca County government.
Melissa Taylor has been appointed deputy county manager after a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors during its Tuesday meeting in Waterloo. She steps into the role effective immediately.
Taylor has led the county’s emergency management efforts for the past decade, playing a key role in disaster response, interagency coordination, and public safety initiatives. She first joined Seneca County in 2008 as deputy director of emergency management and later became the 911 director before being promoted to director in 2015.
“Melissa brings a proven record of leadership, dedication, and problem-solving,” said Board Chairman Michael Enslow. “Her deep understanding of county operations and her commitment to serving our residents make her an ideal choice to help guide Seneca County into the future.”
A role built on service
In her most recent position, Taylor oversaw the 911 Center, Emergency Management Office, and Fire & EMS Coordinator’s Office. She also managed millions in budgets and grants and helped lead the office to full accreditation from the Department of Homeland Security.
Beyond her county roles, she served in several leadership capacities, including vice president of the Lake District Emergency Management Association and treasurer of the Traffic Safety Board and STOP-DWI Committee.
Taylor’s career in emergency management began in the U.S. Air Force, where she was deployed overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and helped coordinate shelter teams during Hurricane Katrina.
She lives in Lyons with her husband Sean and their daughter Megan. Her older daughter Emery is entering law school this fall at the University at Buffalo.
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