Robert Kagel, who was born and raised in the Bronx until he was 13 years old, when he moved to Downingtown, is the County Administrator for the County of Chester.

Kagel earned an associate degree in Technical Studies from Delaware County Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from California University of Pennsylvania. He credits the late Ed Atkins, who was Chester County’s Director of Emergency Services and a retired Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, as having the biggest impact on his career.

He is most proud of his overall career in public safety.

“We’ve accomplished a lot – from a state-of-the-art radio system to a world-class public safety training center, from managing complex emergencies to working to address a crisis in volunteers and workforce,” said Kagel, who began working as an Emergency Medical Technician when he was 18-years-old.

“I’ve had the honor of helping to build incredible teams of people who are dedicated to ensuring the public is safe, cared for during one of their worst moments, and can enjoy a tremendous quality of life. I’ve had the honor of working with teams of people who have innovative ideas to address complex situations. We are incredibly fortunate in Chester County because of our public servants, and I like to think I’ve helped play a small part in all of that.”

Kagel’s favorite Chester County restaurant is dependent upon his mood and the kind of cuisine he’s looking for at the moment.

“Some of my ‘go to’ places include VIP Pizza in Uwchlan, Royal Thai Orchid in Malvern, Manam Indian in Malvern, The Olive Tree in Downingtown, and Brickside Grille in Uwchlan,” he said.