October 17, 2025 3:20 am. 

Douglas County Emergency Manager Emily Ring has been named Oregon’s 2025 Emergency Management Professional of the Year.

A county release said the award was presented to Ring by Oregon Department of Emergency Management Deputy Director Patence Winningham at their 2025 annual conference held in Bend, earlier this month.

Ring was recognized for her exceptional leadership, dedication and tireless work during and following the March 2025 Flood Event in Douglas County. The release said her efforts, along with those of the county commissioners and county staff, were instrumental in pursuing federal funding opportunities that support the county’s infrastructure recovery from the devastating floods.

Board Chair Commissioner Tim Freeman said, “Emily’s leadership, calm under pressure demeanor, and relentless determination have made an enormous difference for Douglas County”. Freeman said, “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”

Ring joined the Douglas County Emergency Management team in April 2023 and worked under former Emergency Manager Wayne Stinson before taking the lead as department director in September 2023. Before being hired, Ring spent six years working for Josephine County as the assistant emergency manager, then the county emergency manager.

In accepting the honor, Ring said, “I was truly honored and humbled to receive this award. 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 go to: www.douglascountyor.gov