Leadership

William Kehler
Emergency Services Director

William Kehler currently serves as the Director of McDowell County Emergency Services, responsible for overseeing all divisions within emergency services, including EMS & Community Paramedics, Emergency Management, Fire Marshal, 911 Communications, and 911 Addressing. Director Kehler began his career in 1997 as a high school EMT intern, gaining valuable experience in 911 Communications and EMS prehospital care.  He was hired by McDowell County in 1998.  During his employment with McDowell County, Director Kehler has served as 911 Telecommunicator, Paramedic, Sgt. Paramedic, Lieutenant, Training Officer, and was promoted to Director in 2007.  Director Kehler's educational background includes completion of his bachelor's degree in healthcare administration from Columbia Southern University, EMS Disaster Management Certificate from UNC-Chapel Hill, Critical Care Paramedic Certificate from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, FEMA's Professional Development Program, and National Registry Paramedic.  Director Kehler holds additional certifications through the National Academy of Emergency Dispatch and is credentialed as a NC Executive Emergency Manager, Type 3 Incident Commander, Public Information Officer, Safety Officer, Planning Section Chief, and Finance Section Chief.  Director Kehler has managed over 20 state and federal declared disasters with out of state deployments to Puerto Rico, New Mexico, Florida, Hawaii, and numerous deployments to counties in North Carolina.  Director Kehler has been a core instructor at McDowell Tech Community College since 2000 where he leads the EMT program and serves as a Level II instructor. Will enjoys spending time with his family, trout fishing, hiking WNC, and spending time with his plott hound Oakley.

Adrienne Rivera Jones
EMS Deputy Director

Adrienne Rivera Jones is the EMS Deputy Director, where she has dedicated her career to delivering quality patient care and fostering an innovative and progressive work environment. After enrolling at Western Carolina University with an initial interest in physical therapy, Adrienne's path took a pivotal turn in the summer when she attended an EMT course. It was then she discovered her true passion for emergency medical services. Since starting her EMS career in 2008, Adrienne has worked in various capacities within emergency services in McDowell County, including as a telecommunicator while she completed paramedic school. She held positions as a lead medic, field training officer, and captain, before advancing to her current role as Deputy Director.

Adrienne is not only passionate about her professional responsibilities but also deeply values her personal life. She enjoys spending quality time with her wife and family, cycling throughout WNC, and is committed to bilingualism and compassionate leadership. Her dedication to both her career and her personal values make her a respected leader and a valued member of her community.

Amberlie Buff
911 Manager

Amberlie Morgan Buff is the 911 Manager at McDowell County, known for her passion for customer service and meticulous documentation. A 2004 graduate of Western Carolina University, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Computer Information Systems. Amberlie began her career at McDowell County in 1999 as an intern with McDowell Emergency Management and then served as a part-time Telecommunicator in 2000 while attending college. After graduating, she joined the McDowell County Sheriff's Office as a full-time Telecommunicator in 2004. Her career path led her to McDowell Finance in 2006 and then to McDowell County Human Resources in 2011 before taking on the role of 911 Manager in 2014.

Outside of work, Amberlie enjoys spending quality time with her family, indulging in cozy movie nights at home, and embracing the outdoors through hunting, fishing, and cookouts, especially during the delightful spring and fall days.

Andrew Pressley
EM Deputy Director & Fire Marshal

Andrew Pressley serves as the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Deputy Director for McDowell County, North Carolina. His career in emergency services began in 2008, driven by a profound dedication to helping others and a commitment to ensuring public safety. Throughout his career, Andrew has developed a diverse skill set across critical care paramedicine, law enforcement, and firefighting.

In his dual role as Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Deputy Director, Andrew is responsible for overseeing emergency management operations, supporting local fire departments, and conducting thorough fire investigations across McDowell County. These duties are critical in safeguarding the well-being of the community.

Deeply committed to the mission of protecting and serving the community, Andrew works tirelessly to enhance emergency preparedness and response efforts through proactive measures and strategic collaboration with various partners. His leadership is pivotal in maintaining the safety and security of McDowell County's residents.

Angie Wright
911 Addressing Coordination & EM Assistant

Angie began her career in Emergency Services as a Firefighter at Sugar Hill Montford Cove Fire Department. While serving as a firefighter, she enrolled in the EMT program at McDowell Tech in 1998. Encouraged by her instructors, Angie applied for and was hired as a part-time Telecommunicator, eventually transitioning to a full-time position on the night shift in May 1999. She continued in this role until 2006/2007 when she shifted to the day shift as a lead Telecommunicator. In 2014, Angie took on the role of 911 Addressing Coordinator/EM Assistant, a position she holds to this day.

In her personal life, Angie enjoys spending quality time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, often going on family vacations to cruise the oceans. A lover of cooking and a nurturer at heart, Angie is known for her generous spirit, always prioritizing the needs of others above her own.