Two Monroe County employees were recently promoted to new positions.
On April 3, county commissioners confirmed Emily Schemper as new growth management director. She will oversee the county’s building, code compliance, artificial reefs and planning and environmental resources departments. Schemper began in the new position on April 6.
With Monroe County’s complex regulatory structure, Schemper will seek to ensure streamlined processes for residents and the construction industry. As a certified floodplain manager, she will also lead FEMA coordination efforts and oversee the enforcement of mandatory floodplain management programs.
“This strategic move will enhance coordination between the related departments and provide additional resources to serve the community better,” said Monroe County Administrator Christine Hurley.
Schemper has been a member of Monroe County’s Planning and Environmental Resources department since 2012, where she has been the senior director of the department for the past seven years. She has a master’s degree in urban planning and urban design and has experience in the private sector in Chicago and the United Kingdom.
“Through years of experience and collaboration across departments, I look forward to using this knowledge to help coordinate services to better serve our community while preserving the unique character of the Florida Keys,” said Schemper.
Following Schemper’s promotion, the county announced, Devin Tolpin was selected to serve as the next senior director of planning and environmental resources. Tolpin will manage staff planners, biologists, marine resources and geographic information systems. The position is critical in the county’s planning, environmental policy and development review processes.
Tolpin has been with the department for eight years, most recently as the planning and development review manager, where she led the planning section, supervised staff and ensured the consistent application of zoning and development regulations. Her career with the county includes previous roles as principal planner, senior planner and marine planner.
She holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Central Florida and a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and policy from Florida State University. She is a certified planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners and a certified floodplain manager.
“As a product of the Florida Keys, I have a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of the Florida Keys,” said Tolpin. “I am honored to have this opportunity to serve the community and the county in this new capacity.”
