John Benson
Legislative Liaison/Alternate State Coordinating Officer
John Benson began working at the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division
in 1992. At that time he worked with the Public Assistance Program in the Response and
Recovery Bureau. In 1994 he moved on to become the off-site response planner for the Quad
Cities nuclear power station. This work not only involved planning but also included conducting
training for first responders who supported the plant.
In 1998, Mr. Benson became the 911 program manager for the state. The installation of wireless 911 services across the state was the primary project during his time as the program manager.
In 2007 he became the legislative liaison for the Division. This present position not only involves working with state and federal elected representatives, but also includes drafting associated bills, administrative rules and performance reporting. He also works on special projects that include interoperable communications and functioning as the alternate state coordinating officer for recent Presidential disaster declarations.
