Donnie Woodyard, Jr

Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice 

Executive Director (2023-Present)

Chair of Commission (2022-20223)

Vice Chair of Commission (2020-2022)

• In July 2023, appointed to lead and provide strategic vision for the EMS Compact Commission, the United States governmental body responsible for administering the interstate practice of Emergency Medical Services.

• Elected as Chair of the Commission by the Member States, before assuming the Executive Director role.

• Regularly represent the Commission at national and state-level events.

• Actively collaborate with stakeholders to advance the objectives of the EMS Compact.

Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment

Branch Chief, Emergency Medical & Trauma Services

• Led Colorado's Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Branch, focusing on reducing morbidity and mortality from sudden illnesses and injuries as per legislative mandates.

• Collaborated with stakeholders to champion legislative reforms, resulting in updates to the state's EMS Act and the unification of ground ambulance regulations.

• Provided pivotal leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple largescale disaster responses, and the inaugural year of the State's EMS Sustainability Task Force.

• Oversaw a comprehensive range of regulatory responsibilities, including:

  • Certification and licensure of EMS providers.

  • Recognition of institutions offering EMS initial training and continuing education.

  • Licensure of air ambulance agencies.

  • Administration and management of multi-million-dollar grant funding programs.

  • Supervision of investigations, enforcement actions, and statewide trauma systems.

  • Designation and oversight of hospitals as trauma centers.

National Registry of EMTs

Chief Operating Officer | Chief Information Officer

• Oversaw executive leadership across various departments including information technology, cybersecurity, stakeholder relations, communications, marketing, plant operations, safety and security, crisis management, and project management.

• Acted as a pivotal figure during the formation of the EMS Compact, frequently advising the Compact Commission and state EMS officials. Contributed expertise on topics such as administration, cross-border EMS operations, and EMS personnel data exchange. Presented testimony in legislative sessions, championing the EMS Compact initiative.

• Orchestrated and supervised a portfolio of state, federal, and military contracts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

• Fostered partnerships with stakeholders, legislators, and federal agencies to advance the national EMS certification standard and regulatory mandate.

• Spearheaded the creation and staffing of new teams to bolster organizational growth, including units for project management, federal-military relations, marketing, and cybersecurity.

• Demonstrated leadership by frequently stepping in as Acting Executive Director during the primary executive's absence. Regularly collaborated with the Board of Directors and the leadership team to craft the organization's strategic vision.

• Mentored and developed mid-level management, emphasizing growth, innovation, and collaboration.

• Managed the operations division's budget, contributing to the finalization of the organization's annual budget.

• Played a key role in devising the organization's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and its disaster recovery strategy. Achieved a significant transition, moving 97% of staff, including the national call center, to remote roles during the COVID-19 pandemic, without any operational interruptions.