Oklahoma Emergency Management Director to Depart After Leading Tornado and Wildfire Responses
OKLAHOMA CITY — Governor Kevin Stitt announced on October 6 that Oklahoma Emergency Management Director Annie Mack Vest will leave the agency on October 30 to return to the private sector. Vest has led the agency since December 2023.
Under Vest, Oklahoma weathered multiple tornado seasons and unprecedented 2025 wildfires — more than 130 fires reported in 44 counties, destroying nearly 300 houses and structures. She also served on the state's Wildland Fire Response Working Group, improving cooperation among agencies and local governments during fire emergencies.
"Annie redefined emergency response and disaster management," Stitt said, crediting her with cutting bureaucracy and streamlining relief for disaster victims. Interim director will be Chief Operations Officer John Dean, who has worked in state emergency management since 2022 and previously served 20 years in the U.S. Army Special Forces.
The governor’s office said a permanent successor is expected to be announced in November.
Sources: News 9; The Oklahoman
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：龙卷风过后被摧毁的民宅（资料图）。摄影：Patsy Lynch/FEMA，公有领域，来源：Wikimedia Commons
