Joel is a strategic leader and consultant dedicated to innovation in public education. At UPD, Joel leads the development of new partnerships with districts, states, funders, and teacher development organizations that transform results for students. In his years with UPD, Joel has led projects in statewide teacher evaluation adoption, connected data for teacher prep programs, and coached educators across the US.

In addition to UPD, Joel has founded a nonprofit education champion organization or funding engine for innovation in San Antonio public schools called City Education Partners. Joel also founded KIPP University Prep High School in San Antonio and he has taught multiple subjects for grades 6-12 in traditional public and charter schools in Tennessee and Mississippi. Joel has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, the New Teacher of the Year of Southaven High School, Rhodes College Outstanding Young Alumnus, and he holds a B.A. from Rhodes College and an M.A. from the University of Mississippi. Most importantly, Joel is a husband and a father of five.