Throughout the month of April, Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is proud to shine a spotlight on the outstanding leaders who work tirelessly to protect and serve our community. Join us as we recognize the dedication, experience, and leadership of public safety professionals across Cherokee County.

Today, we are honored to highlight Secunda “Connie” Chandler, a deeply committed and highly experienced public safety professional who currently serves as the EMS Operations Manager for Atrium Health Floyd–Cherokee EMS.

With more than 31 years of service in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Connie’s career has been marked by unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership. She began her EMS journey in 1994 with Atrium Health Floyd, where she has continued to serve throughout her professional career. Starting as an EMT, she became a Paramedic in 1997 and stepped into leadership roles beginning in 2005. Over the years, she has served in multiple key positions, including Operations Manager in Floyd County and Chief Deputy Coroner for Floyd County.

In October 2022, Connie accepted the opportunity to transition into her current role in Cherokee County. After thoughtful consideration and support from her family, she embraced the challenge and has since played a vital role in strengthening EMS operations across the county. She completed the Georgia Emergency Medical Services Information System (GEMSIS) EMS Leadership Program through Georgia Southern University and is currently enrolled in the Leadership Cherokee Program through the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce.

Under Connie’s leadership, significant enhancements have been made to local EMS services, including:

Operation of three 24-hour Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances

Expansion of the 12-hour ALS day truck to seven days a week (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.)

Introduction of an additional Basic Life Support (BLS)/ALS Non-Emergency Transport (NET) unit, which operates Monday through Friday (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.) to support medical appointments and dialysis trips

Connie’s commitment goes far beyond operational improvements. She is deeply passionate about community engagement. Atrium Floyd–Cherokee EMS proudly supports a wide range of local events, including high school football games, rodeos, community health fairs, Liberty Day, Leesburg Day, educational school programs, Hero Day, the Fishing Rodeo for CASS, and many other meaningful initiatives.

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Connie takes great pride in her family. She has been happily married for 17 years and is the proud mother of Amber (29) and Bryce (22). She also treasures her role as grandmother to Laiya (4) and embraces her blended family, which includes three stepchildren and seven step-grandchildren.

Reflecting on her service, Connie shares:

“It’s an honor to serve the citizens of Cherokee County. I am committed to delivering high-quality emergency medical services while fostering a strong connection between EMS and the community.”

Please join us in thanking Connie Chandler for her outstanding service, leadership, and heartfelt dedication to Cherokee County.