Ruth Vogel to take over as Cook County emergency management director

Cook County has selected Ruth Vogel as its next emergency management director, succeeding director Mike Keyport after his retirement.

Vogel will officially begin the role Sept. 24. She currently serves as the emergency management director for Grand Portage and has held that position for about two years.

County Administrator Kristen Trebil-Halbersma announced that Vogel will take over the position during the Aug. 25 Cook County Board of Commissioners meeting.

“We’re very excited that Ruth Vogel will be stepping into that position,” Trebil-Halbersma told WTIP. “She’s just fantastic. So we’re really excited about that.”

Vogel has worked with Cook County officials during several emergency responses, including this summer’s wildfire response to the Little Knife Fire. Trebil-Halbersma said that experience was one reason county officials were pleased to bring Vogel into the position. “We’ve worked with her quite extensively during the fires.”

The hiring process began more than a month ago as Keyport prepared to retire after nearly seven years as Cook County’s emergency management director.

Keyport will officially retire Sept. 2. On Friday, Aug. 28, county staff will host a retirement party to celebrate and recognize his time serving as emergency management director.

In the interim, Steve VanKekerix, the Cook County Firewise coordinator, will serve as the county’s emergency management director until Vogel is trained and ready to take over the role. VanKekerix will lead Vogel’s onboarding and training process while continuing to serve as the county’s Firewise coordinator.

Following the county’s selection process and announcement of Vogel as the new emergency management director, Mike Keyport told WTIP he is both excited and confident about Vogel stepping into the role.

“I was asked in an employment exit interview. What was something that was most enjoyable about your position? My answer was having the opportunity to mentor and work with Ruth,” Keyport said. “Her enthusiastic energy, positive attitude, willingness to learn, and to work independently have been a true pleasure for the past two years.  I am confident that Ruth will bring the Cook County Emergency Management program to a new level.”

Mike Keyport & Steve VanKekerix
Photo by Kalli Hawkins

Kalli Hawkins August 27, 2026