Douglas County’s Emily Ring Named Oregon’s 2025 Emergency Management Professional of the Year

Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice are proud to announce that Emily Ring, Douglas County’s Emergency Manager, has been selected by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) as Oregon’s 2025 Emergency Management Professional of the Year. The award was presented to Emily Ring by OEM’s Deputy Director Patence Winningham at their 2025 Annual Conference held in Bend, Oregon, October 6-9, 2025.  

“Emily’s sincere commitment to serving her community was clearly demonstrated through her words and personal actions that were above and beyond the call of duty. She completely walks the walk in a field that is largely overlooked. Emily dug in, literally in some cases, to provide support and I love that. She exemplifies the very best of Oregon’s already amazing team of emergency managers and we are proud to recognize her for her outstanding contributions,” stated Erin McMahon, Director and Homeland Security Advisor, Oregon Department of Emergency Management.

Emily was recognized for her exceptional leadership, dedication, and tireless work during and following the March 2025 Flood Event in Douglas County. Her efforts, along with those of our County Commissioners and County staff, were instrumental in pursuing federal funding opportunities that support the county’s infrastructure (road damage repair) recovery from the devastating floods. This was a milestone achievement, considering most thought it was impossible, which underscores her commitment to our community’s resilience and safety. The County continues to fight hard on the appeal for Federal IA (individual assistance) for March 2025 flood victims and is working closely with our Federally assigned Long Term Recovery Group (Glide Rev) to identify any additional resources available for residents.  

“Emily’s leadership, calm under pressure demeanor, and relentless determination have made an enormous difference for Douglas County,” praised Emergency Management Liaison Commissioner and 2025 Board Chair Tim Freeman. “First, I’d like to thank our citizens, our first responders, our amazing county staff, our cities and our community partners. I want to especially thank Emily for bringing everyone together. This recognition is well-deserved.” 

Emily joined the Douglas County Emergency Management team in April 2023 and worked under former Douglas County Emergency Manager Wayne Stinson before taking the lead as Department Director in September 2023. Before being hired by Douglas County, she spent six years working for Josephine County as the assistant emergency manager, then the county emergency manager. Emily’s work history includes roles as a crisis counselor, domestic violence case manager, national resource ranger and seasonal wildland firefighter. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social services with an emphasis in geographic information system technology and anthropology from the University of Wisconsin and Eastern Oregon University. Emily also has a master’s degree in biological sciences and resource management from Green Mountain University in Vermont. 

Since its inception in 1979, the Douglas County Emergency Management Division worked largely behind the scenes under the direction of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, developing plans and procedures to prepare for and respond to disasters. In September 2023, the division evolved into a full-fledged independent county department. The Douglas County Emergency Management Department now reports directly to the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. The department collaborates closely with County Commissioners, public safety and elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and other municipal and government agencies to enhance community preparedness and resilience.

In accepting the honor, Emily expressed gratitude for the recognition and for the dedicated county and community partners she works with every day. “I was truly honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Ring. “But this recognition really belongs to our entire County team, our first responders, and the community members who came together during and after the flood. Their teamwork and resilience are what made recovery possible.”

For more information about Douglas County Emergency Management, visit Douglas County’s official website at douglascountyor.gov.

Full article sourced from douglascountyor.gov