Kendall Bobula named Ramsey County Emergency Management Director

Kendall Bobula has been named Director of Emergency Management in the Ramsey County Safety and Justice Service Team, following the retirement of longtime director Judd Freed, who led the county’s emergency management program for many years.

In this role, Bobula will lead Ramsey County's emergency management program, overseeing emergency preparedness, disaster response, recovery and mitigation efforts. She will direct the development and implementation of countywide emergency response plans, coordinate training and exercises with local, state and federal partners, manage the county's Emergency Operations Center during emergencies, and ensure compliance with state and federal emergency management standards. Bobula will also oversee the department's budget, strategic planning and grant administration while strengthening partnerships across jurisdictions to enhance regional preparedness and resilience.

Bobula brings extensive experience in emergency management, public safety and strategic planning across local and state governments. She most recently served as Director of Planning and Preparedness for the City of Boston Office of Emergency Management, where she led emergency management planning, training and exercise programs, community preparedness initiatives, regional coordination efforts and strategic planning. Throughout her career, she has managed multimillion-dollar grant programs, led statewide preparedness and continuity initiatives, supported emergency operations during major planned events and disasters, and collaborated with partners across all levels of government to strengthen emergency response capabilities.

"Kendall brings extensive experience leading complex emergency management programs and building strong partnerships that enhance community preparedness," Safety and Justice Deputy County Manager Gloria Reyes said. "Her strategic leadership, operational expertise and collaborative approach will strengthen Ramsey County's emergency management capabilities and help ensure we are prepared to effectively respond to emergencies while protecting our residents, employees and communities."

Prior to joining the City of Boston, Bobula served as Community Preparedness, Strategic Planning and Grants Manager for the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, where she led statewide strategic planning, accreditation and preparedness initiatives. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Planning Analyst with the Connecticut Department of Public Health's Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, supporting emergency planning and response efforts during COVID-19 and Hurricane Henri. She also held policy and research roles with the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management focused on criminal justice and public policy.

Bobula holds a Master of Science in Emergency Management from the University of New Haven, a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. She is an active member of the International Association of Emergency Managers and contributes to the Emergency Management Accreditation Program.

"I'm honored to join Ramsey County and serve a community that is deeply committed to collaboration and public service," said Kendall Bobula. "I look forward to working alongside our county departments, municipalities, first responders and community partners to strengthen preparedness, build resilience and help ensure Ramsey County is ready for the future."

Bobula's first official day in her new role will be Monday, July 6.