Author
Home / Author
About the Author
Donnie Woodyard Jr., MAML, NRP, is a nationally recognized leader in emergency medical services, with over three decades of experience as an EMS leader, innovator, paramedic, and instructor. His career began in high school as a volunteer EMT in Pearisburg, Virginia, igniting a lifelong passion for prehospital care, education, and policy development. By 19, he became a Paramedic, earning his certification from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, while concurrently attending Cedarville University. He later earned degrees from Indiana University and a Master’s in Management and Leadership from Liberty University. Currently, he is completing a Doctorate in Law & Policy, focusing on the intersection of EMS regulation, interstate compacts, and national security.
Donnie has served in multiple key EMS leadership roles, including the State EMS Director for Louisiana and Colorado, a Paramedic Program Director, and EMS Chief, spearheading modernization efforts in EMS education, technology, and governance. His work in EMS policy and interstate practice has shaped regulatory frameworks that enhance clinician mobility and emergency response coordination across states.
His international experience includes leading EMS development in Sri Lanka and South Asia, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the foundation for the modern EMS systems in Sri Lanka. He also led large medical teams responding to regional disaster and conflict zones. Upon returning to the U.S., he was appointed Louisiana’s State EMS Director, where he led efforts to digitize EMS licensure and enhance state-level EMS coordination. He later joined the National Registry of EMTs as Chief Information Officer and subsequently the Chief Operating Officer, overseeing advancements like the National EMS ID system, mobile applications, and the design of the National EMS Coordinated Database.
In 2019, Donnie returned to state EMS leadership as the Chief of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services for the state of Colorado. While in this role he was appointed as Colorado’s Commissioner to the United States EMS Compact. His leadership was recognized nationally, leading to his election as Vice Chair and later Chair of the EMS Compact’s governing body. In 2023, Donnie was appointed Executive Director of the United States EMS Compact, where he continues to advance interstate licensure, national EMS preparedness, and policy integration for EMS governance at the federal and state levels.
Beyond EMS, Donnie is a Scuba Dive Master with over 800 dives and a fixed-wing pilot, currently serving as Squadron Commander with the United States Air Force Auxiliary – Civil Air Patrol. His humanitarian work spans disaster and war zone response missions in Haiti, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Ukraine and Bangladesh.
A respected authority in EMS policy, mobility, and workforce regulation, Donnie has authored and consulted on EMS governance, education, and national security initiatives. He is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School’s Executive Leadership Program, holds a certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare from Harvard University, and continues to shape the future of EMS through policy, leadership, and governance reform
Additional Books By Donnie
Leadership in Action
Fragmented Past, Future of Opportunity
Leadership in Action: The Wisdom and Stories of EMS Innovators is a powerful compilation of personal leadership experiences, hard-earned lessons, and transformative insights from some of the most respected leaders in emergency medical services. This book brings together real-world wisdom from industry pioneers who have dedicated their lives to advancing the profession. With a foreword by Secretary Leon Panetta, this collection captures the essence of leadership in EMS—offering guidance, inspiration, and mentorship for the next generation of leaders. Compiled and edited by Donnie Woodyard, Jr., this book captures the essence of leadership in EMS—offering guidance, inspiration, and mentorship for the next generation of leaders.
EMS in the United States
Fragmented Past, Future of Opportunity
"EMS in the United States: Fragmented Past, Future of Opportunity" is the first comprehensive Desk Reference for aspiring EMS leaders, managers, and government officials. Written from the perspective and experience of a state and national EMS leader, the book provides an exploration into the evolution, current state, and future of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the United States. From the humble origins of EMS to the impact of influential visionaries, Hollywood, and determined community volunteers, this book provides a deep dive into the rich, often overlooked history. The author, a respected state and national EMS leader, also leverages his experience to explain different service delivery models, financial challenges, and the significance of insurance and billing. The text delves into key aspects of personnel management, touching on recruitment, retention, mental health, and a professional code of conduct. As a resource for emerging EMS leaders, the book guides the reader through state regulation and administration, providing an introduction to interstate compacts, investigations, enforcement, and public protection. In its final sections, the book outlines leadership lessons, stakeholder engagement, and change management in the EMS environment. Amidst rapidly emerging issues like health equity, aging populations, and the advent of telehealth, the book posits that understanding our past is vital to navigating the future. By appreciating the influence of historic decisions on our present situation, we can forge an opportunity-rich future for EMS in the United States. As both a reference book and a history guide, this is an indispensable tool for anyone involved in or interested in the evolution and future of EMS. Available globally on Amazon and Barns & Noble.
Beyond the Tents of Menik Farm, Sri Lanka
Stories of Resilience and Hope Amidst War
In addition to his work in EMS, Donnie Woodyard, Jr spent nearly a decade working in war, disaster response, and international development. His book, "Beyond the Tents of Menik Farm Sri Lanka: Stories of Resilience and Hope" is a profound photo essay that captures the human spirit's tenacity against the backdrop of one of the largest displacement camps in modern history.
Available globally on Amazon and Barns & Noble.
LATEST UPDATES