Sandra Manning brings can-do attitude to public service
Sandra Manning
By Dorothy Inman-Johnson
Special to the Outlook
Sandra Manning has been a dedicated employee with the City of Tallahassee for over 22 years, and is pastor and founder of Faith 8 Ministries International, a tele-church with members throughout the United States. Sandra comes from a long line of ministers, beginning with her great grandfather, William Henry Haygood, a Gadsden County pastor who inspired several of his children to follow in his footsteps. So it seems appropriate that his great grand daughter has answered the call, as well. The hometown for Sandra’s family is Midway, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Oakland University in Michigan. While in Rochester Hills, Michigan, she and several other Christian students launched Greater Living, a campus ministry that grew to over 100 young believers. Later, she received a Certification in Public Management (CPM) from Florida State University, and a Master of Science Degree in Journalism from Florida A & M University that propelled her into her career in media.
Though her career began in Pontiac, Michigan as Executive Assistant to the Mayor, since arriving in Tallahassee, Sandra has been Cable Access Coordinator; started the City of Tallahassee’s Emmy Award winning TV station (WCOT) and served as Station Manager; served as Utilities Marketing Manager; and Director of Community Relations. She has such a warm, caring spirit and presents a perfect image for the City of Tallahassee to the public. She successfully blends the caring and concern from her Christian background, with professionalism, and excellent public relations skills.
Sandra has dedicated her life to improving the lives of those in need, whether through the business she founded in Michigan, the Working Network, for training and job placement for displaced factory workers; or traveling to the Dominican Republic on a mission to help disadvantaged children. She mentors new City employees, reads to children in the classroom, volunteers with the homeless network, does non-profit fundraising for community organizations like Chelsea House, and has mentored many youth and helped them visualize successful lives for themselves. She served as a very good example for them to model.
Her other professional achievements include responsibility for rebranding Your Own Utility and launching the Energy Smart Plus Initiatives with the Neighborhood REACH Program, designed to help utility customers lower their energy usage and bills. The REACH Program was among innovations considered when the City of Tallahassee was recognized as an All-America City, voted one of the Most Livable Cities in America, and named an Energy Innovator.
Even with her busy professional life and volunteer work in the community, she still finds the time to visit the elderly in their homes and nursing homes to brighten their day with her sunny smile. Sandra is married to William Manning, owner of Chariot Construction in Tallahassee. And she is a real asset to the Tallahassee and Leon County community.
