Kenneth Kizer MD (1983-1984), George Moorhead (Acting, 1984-1986), Bruce Haynes MD (1986-1989), Daniel Smiley (Acting, 1989-1993), Joseph Morales MD (1993-1997), Richard Watson (Acting, 1997-2005), Cesar Aristeiguieta MD (2005-2007), Daniel Smiley (Acting 2007-2008), R. Steven Tharratt MD (2008-2010), Daniel Smiley (Acting 2010-2011), Howard Backer MD (2011-2019), Julie Souliere (Acting 2019), Dave Duncan MD (2019-2021), Elizabeth Basnett (2021-present. Daniel Smiley served as the Chief Deputy Director, and periodic acting Director, for 31 years from 1989 until 2019. Role The EMS Authority is charged with providing leadership in developing and implementing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems throughout California. In California, day-to-day EMS system management is a local responsibility. Each county developing an EMS system must designate a local EMS agency (LEMSA) which can be the county health department, an agency established and operated by the county, an entity with which the county contracts for the purposes of EMS administration or a joint powers agency. There are 32 single-county or multi-county local EMS agencies. It is principally through these agencies that the EMS Authority works to promote quality EMS services statewide. References External links State of California EMS Authority Prehospital Emergency Medical Services in the California Code of Regulations Emergency Medical Services Authority Government agencies established in 1981