About Us
We are Iowa HSEMD
The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) has been working to make Iowa more prepared for disasters since it began as the State Civil Defense Agency in 1965. The focus of emergency management and the hazards faced by Iowans may have changed in some ways since that time, but what hasn’t changed is our commitment to making our state more prepared for any emergency or disaster.

Never Forget
Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the department, then a division under the Iowa Department of Public Defense, was directed by the governor to coordinate Iowa’s homeland security efforts. While this broadened our mission, our underlying priority of ensuring Iowa is prepared and ready to respond to any disaster drives all we do.

Maximizing resources to prepare for all hazards
Working to make Iowa prepared for an emergency or disaster since 1965.

Strategy
The Strategy for the Iowa Dept. of Homeland Security and Emergency Management 2021-2023 guides strategic and policy decisions regarding the allocation of limited resources that protect citizens and property within the state.
View the full HSEMD Strategy document.

Mission Statement
Enhancing the quality of life for Iowans by preparing our State and building resilient communities
Iowa HSEMD Core Values in PDF format

Iowa Law and Rules
The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is created in Iowa Code chapter 29C.
View Iowa Administrative Code
View Iowa Code, Chapter 29C
View HSEMD Regulatory Analysis

Legislative Updates
The following document is the Administrative Rules Regulatory Plan for the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Current Plan–Oct. 27, 2014
Current Legislative Rule Docket–July 7, 2022

Emergency Management Structure in Iowa
The structure of homeland security and emergency management in Iowa begins with the governor, who holds the responsibility for protecting Iowa’s citizens. The governor appoints the Iowa homeland security advisor and the director of the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD). The HSEMD director serves as the state administrative agent for grants administered by the federal government.
Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management is the coordinating body for homeland security and emergency management activities across the state. In addition to HSEMD, the advisor relies on an advisory committee for information to assist in the decision-making process.
Homeland Security Advisory Committee (HSAC)
The purpose of the Homeland Security Advisory Committee (HSAC) is to advise Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management on how to strengthen existing homeland security assets and first responder specialty teams. Members of the committee are chosen based on their experience and expertise. View the HSAC Charter in PDF format. The latest HSAC meeting minutes will be made available upon email request.
HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
1. Iowa Homeland Security Advisor
2. Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
3. Iowa Department of Education
4. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
5. Iowa Department of Natural Resources
6. Iowa Department of Public Safety- Fusion Center
7. Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Enforcement
8. Iowa Emergency Management Association
9. Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council
10. Iowa Geographic Information Council (IGIC)
11. Iowa National Guard
12. Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System Board
13. Office of the Chief Information Officer
OUR SENIOR TEAM

John Benson
Director

Katie Waters
Chief of Staff

Dennis Harper
Recovery Division Administrator

Zachary Ellison
Response Division Administrator

Jon Paoli
Communications & Technology Bureau Chief

Julie Nishijima
Non-Disaster Grants and Admin Bureau Chief

Jonathan Pogones
Hazard Mitigation Bureau Chief

David Parziale
Public Assistance Bureau Chief

Jeremy Sroka
Preparedness Bureau Chief

Mark Newhall
Disaster Grants Bureau Chief
Top Pages
Contact Us

7900 Hickman Road,
Suite 500
Windsor Heights, IA 50324

515.725.3231 515.725.3260 FAX
Business Hours:
8:00 AM-4:00 PM
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