Mariana Ruiz-Temple is a distinguished public safety leader with extensive expertise in fire service operations, emergency management, and strategic partnerships. She oversees statewide efforts to reduce the loss of life and property from fires, explosions, and hazardous materials incidents. Her work is defined by a decisive and collaborative leadership style that emphasizes building strong, results-oriented relationships with local, state, federal, and international partners.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Mariana has held progressively senior roles, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing public safety through innovation and strategic initiatives. She manages day-to-day operations, statewide mobilizations, and three incident management teams while serving as an advisor to the governor on implementing the Emergency Conflagration Act. As the Oregon state fire chief, Mariana ensures effective and efficient deployment of state resources during crises.

Beyond operational leadership, Mariana is deeply engaged in shaping fire service policy and advancing the field through active participation in many organizations. She serves on the National Association of State Fire Marshals executive board and is a chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs' Emergency Management Committee. As a representative on the Oregon Emergency Response Council and the Western Fire Chiefs Association Wildfire Committee, Mariana contributes to strategies for wildfire management, mitigation, and recovery.

Mariana was selected to the prestigious Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, where she worked with a team to provide Congress with recommendations to improve federal wildfire policies, including prevention, suppression, and post-fire land rehabilitation.

Her expertise extends to managing multi-agency collaborations, advising legislators on fire-related policies, and representing Oregon in regional and national initiatives. Mariana’s leadership is informed by a robust education that includes the Oregon Executive Leadership Academy, the National Fire Academy’s Fire Service Interpersonal Dynamics program, and advanced training in hazardous materials and incident command systems.

Committed to excellence and public service, Mariana continues to drive progressive, outcome-focused initiatives to enhance public safety, support the fire service, and address emerging challenges in fire and emergency response.