Board of Directors

Prior to Joe’s 1989 employment with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), he was employed as a classroom instructor of science and biology at Houston High School in Houston, Missouri from 1981 through the 1989 school years.

While at DNR, he worked as an Environmental Specialist, Environmental Education Specialist and Unit Chief of the Environmental Education Unit. In which, he retired with 24 years of service on February 28, 2010.

On March 1, 2010 Joe became the Executive Director of the James River Basin Partnership (JRBP) in Springfield.  He then moved his family to Ozark in late summer 2010, serving 5½ years until retiring again on November 1, 2015. Expressing that his time at JRBP was the most rewarding.

In October 2015, the MCE recognized Joe’s career as an environmental educator and advocate by awarding him the Susan Flader Education and Advocacy Award.  This was especially meaningful to Joe, as Susan is a friend of his.

Joe enjoys canoeing and kayaking on the beautiful Ozark rivers and is an avid fisher. With his wife, they enjoy nature photography and traveling to hike and explore interesting outdoor spots. They are especially in love with Yellowstone Park and the surrounding area and make many trips there, as time and funds allow.