“I have known Joe for nearly 12 years and he has guided us through the intricacies of federal legislation, policies, laws and programming. What a miracle and blessing Joe has been for to us and our staff. He is the kind of person everyone wants to know but more importantly he is the kind of person everyone wants to learn from. I have watched him at many national meetings and his ability to train, facilitate, present, and lead people through various components of programs is astonishing. He is a very polished and dynamic speaker, trainer and consultant who can relate to any situation and break it down in a manner that anyone could understand. He is respected and sought after by many of his peers across the country. I look forward to bringing Joe back to our state for many training, facilitation and consulting needs.”
Cindy Heislen
Director of Extended Learning
Community Education, 21st CCLC, and Service-Learning
Missouri Department of Education
“Joe is a respected professional known for his competent ability to train, advise and collaborate with diverse groups of national, state and local professionals and organizations in the fields of education, community groups, and business.”
Kevin Koester – R
Iowa House of Representatives and
Past President of the National Community Education Association (NCEA)
Work Experience
Joe is the current Owner/Trainer/Consultant for Preferred Visions, LLC. He has over 34 years experience as an educational consultant with the Iowa Department of Education. He had responsiblity for providing training, technical assistance, professional development and consultation to school districts, intermediate service centers, community colleges and community based groups. Joe managed community and public involvement in education, agency collaboration and cooperation, service-learning, before and after school programs, school improvement, school volunteerism, summer learning programs, and connecting the community with K-12 education through Community Education. He also coordinated and managed over $28 million dollars in federal gr
ant funds for teacher quality, before and after school programs, and service-learning.
Joe has worked extensively in the field of education as well as with community-based, faith-based, private and public non-profit organizations and small business. He is routinely involved in providing keynote addresses and training, conducting strategic planning sessions, facilitating work groups to solve community problems, transforming organizations, and creating networking opportunities in these areas. Joe has also helped set up 3 small businesses in the medical and landscaping areas.
Presenter/Trainer/Keynoter Experience
Joe is a frequent presenter, trainer, and keynote speaker at many national, regional and state conferences. He is a published author, lecturer, trainer, grant writer, media producer, and coach/mentor to many field professionals. Joe has trained well over 17,100 people throughout his career. In the past, he has assisted the Governor’s Office in various capacities and has taught graduate courses as a visiting professor at Drake University. Joe has also served as a consultant to various state departments of education all across the country, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
Education
Joe completed his master’s degree at Ball State University and has additional coursework toward his doctorate. He earned his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He is also a certified graduate of the Total Quality Transformation (TQT) process used throughout Iowa state government and was a contributor to the Quality Student Leadership (QSL) process used by many schools across the country.
Awards And Recognition
- Governor’s Certificate of Recognition for Dedicated Service, 2010
- Governor’s Golden Dome Awards for Length of Service, 2006
- Professional Service Award from the National Community Education Association (NCEA) – 2006
- Professional Service Award by the Iowa Community Education Association – 2005
- Public Service Award by the Iowa Family and Consumer Science Association – 2005
- State Farm Insurance Companies Foundation Commitment Award – 2005
- Governor’s Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service to Iowa Children, 2004
- Inducted in the National Community Education Association (NCEA) Hall of Fame Charter Class – 2004
- National Register’s Who’s Who for Executives and Professionals – 2003-2004
- Governor’s Volunteer Award – 1998
- State of Iowa Employee of the Month – 1998
- Iowa Commission on National and Community Service Outstanding Contributions Award – 1996
- State Top Achievement Recognition (STAR) award nominee – 1994, 1995, 1996
- Who’s Who in American Education – 1992
- Who’s Who in Staff Development for Public and Private Schools – 1988
- Honorary Kentucky Colonel – 1988
- Who’s Who in the Midwest – 1985
- Iowa Community Education Association Distinguished Service Award – 1985
- U.S. Jaycees Outstanding Young Men of America – 1976
Leadership Positions
Joe was recently an appointed Commissioner by the Governor of the State of Iowa on the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Services and currently serves on the Iowa Afterschool Alliance Board of Directors. In the past he has served as national co-chair of SEANet (State Education Agency Network) for Service-Learning, has served as president of NCSEACE (National Council State Education Agency Community Educators) and a former member of the Education Committee for the Institute for Character Development at Drake University. Joe has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Iowa Senior Games, the Iowa PTA, the American Cancer Society, the Iowa Foundation for Parks and Recreation, and the Community Development Society of Iowa, where he was also president.
Connect with Joe on Linkedin 