Diogenes Ayala
Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Specialties & Interests
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Expert in strategic planning, change management, and critical partnerships. Experienced in local and regional incident response, offering comprehensive emergency management support, including planning, training, exercises, grant management, and response/recovery coordination
COUNTERTERRORISM
Experienced in conducting research, assessments, and implementing prevention strategies to protect people, property, and infrastructure
Public Speaking
Experienced in addressing domestic terrorism, human trafficking, infrastructure protection, as well as preparedness, planning, and mitigation strategies
ABOUT
Diogenes Ayala serves as the Public Safety Leader for MercyOne Des Moines Health Care System, where he develops, coordinates, and oversees emergency preparedness and security operations for hospitals and clinics across Central Iowa. A U.S. Navy veteran, Ayala holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Criminal Justice from Simpson College and a Master’s in Security Studies (Homeland Defense and Security) from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Previously, Ayala was the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director for Madison County, Iowa, where his leadership during the recovery from a devastating EF4 tornado in 2022 earned him the title of 2022 Iowa Emergency Manager of the Year. He also has a strong background in telecommunications, specializing in business continuity and disaster recovery.
Ayala has conducted over 80 training sessions on Improvised Explosive Device (IED) awareness and emergency preparedness for more than 1,000 students, earning recognition such as the CISA Infrastructure Security Partnership Award. He has completed advanced training through CISA and DHS, focusing on counterterrorism, hazardous materials, emergency management, and preparedness operations.
In 2025, Ayala was appointed to FEMA’s National Advisory Council (NAC), where he advises the Administrator on all aspects of emergency management, including preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other human-caused events.
CHDS AFFILIATION
- CHDS Master’s Program, Cohort 2301/2302
Mr. Ayala has tirelessly advocated for the inclusion of emergency preparedness in all aspects of community planning and activities. His ability to integrate comprehensive emergency management principles with a focus on equity and justice is commendable.
– Victoria Henderson Weber
HIGHLIGHTS
2023 Hero of the Heartland Award for 2022 Winterset EF4 Tornado
Diogenes Ayala went above and beyond in response to the devastating Madison County tornadoes on March 5, 2022. His quick thinking and action saved a life, united a community and brought hope to those suffering.
Winterset Tornado Press Conference
Diogenes Ayala went above and beyond in response to the devastating Madison County tornadoes on March 5, 2022. His quick thinking and action saved a life, united a community and brought hope to those suffering.
Human Trafficking and Social Media Presentation
Presentation by Madison County Iowa Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director, Diogenes Ayala, January 17, 2024.
CHDS Master’s Student Honored for CISA Bomb Training Efforts
A Center for Homeland Defense and Security Master’s Program student is being recognized for his work in training hundreds of people in bombing prevention awareness and preparedness, the first time an individual has been so honored.
Severe weather came early in Iowa. Are you prepared?
On this episode of River to River, host Ben Kieffer speaks with Diogenes Ayala, who directed the emergency response to the tornado in Winterset.
Bomb-Prevention Campaign Continues at Iowa Do it Best Store
Leaders with the Madison County (Iowa) Emergency Management & Homeland Security office partnered with representatives from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI on September 28 for the local kickoff of Operation Flashpoint, an initiative designed to increase awareness on how businesses and the public can prevent bombings in their communities. The event was held at Earlham Building Center, a Do it Best member in Earlham, Iowa.
Preparedness against terrorism Starts Local, Ends Local
In this episode Diogenes Ayala talks with us about the local EM’s responsibility in terrorism analysis and local preparedness. Drawing inspiration from his education and some great resources (The Next Civil War: Dispatches from the American Future by Stephen Marche and How Civil Wars Start: And How to Stop Them by Barbara F. Walter).