Formerly from Springfield PA, after serving his country in the Army during the Vietnam Conflict, Joe attended Christian Brothers College in Memphis TN. Upon graduation he joined the Memphis Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank and then Holiday Inns. Next, Joe joined Federal Express, retiring after 25 years of service. For the next ten years he worked in non-profits, retiring as Executive Director for the Shelby County Schools Education Foundation. Before and after retirement Joe volunteered at many civic and community organizations, mainly serving children.  He served as Commissioner for the city of Germantown and Ambassador for the Germantown Chamber of Commerce.  He credits his wife, Joyce, for instilling in him a passion for education, especially for children with special needs.

 

Joe is an active member of a local Kiwanis Club having served as Club President, Region Lt. Governor, and President of the District Foundation. He received the Distinguished Club President award and as Region Club Advisor partnered with the Region Club Development Leader in opening a club in NE Shelby County.

 

He has three children, Theresa, Josh and Kyle and two grandchildren, Maddie and Ollie.  He strongly supports public education encouraging students to give back by serving a cause greater than themselves.