11-15 years

Political consultant for private-sector clients seeking public policy and regulation advocacy. Provided comprehensive knowledge of state and local governments for clients. Developed and maintained relationships with key legislators, staff and state agencies. Passage of Accumulator Bans in AR, GA, TN. Passage of proprietary legislation on Epilepsy Education, "Seizure Safe Schools," in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, SC. Passage of legislation establishing Rare Disease Advisory Councils in AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, SC, TN. Mitigated legislation in Georgia that would have disclosed claim-level rebate data. Defeated drug importation legislation in MS, TN. Passage of Step Therapy Override Legislation in AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, SC, TN

Statewide relationships across a broad array of industries such as Georgia Ports, Film Industry, Agriculture (Marine and Land), Local Chambers of Commerce, Veterans Affairs, and more.

Solid relationships with House and Senate Leadership in both parties.

Solid relationships with agencies such as Agriculture, Labor, Public Health, Public Service Commission, Economic Development, and others

A strong presence in Appropriations, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Health and Human Services, Insurance, Tourism and Economic Development, Labor, Regulated Industries, Transportation, Creative Arts, Ways & Means and other Committees.

My tenure as an Independent Consultant has seen targeted lobbying triumphs, leveraging a strong foundation in advocacy, healthcare, economic development, environmental issues, regulatory work, and utilities. Strategic communications and policy advocacy, honed over years of experience, are empowering to create compelling campaigns that resonate with key stakeholders.

Reflecting on a rich 6-year directorship over a multi-state region includes achievements in state government affairs and public relations that were underscored by cultivating pivotal relationships and executing influential public policy initiatives. The skills in presenting and developing intricate information and running political campaigns are now instrumental in driving forward the mission of Georgia Matters with efficacy and collaborative precision.

6-10 years

Served on the Georgia Department of Revenue Local Government Advisory Group. As a member of this group, Joel provided the Revenue Commissioner with feedback and suggestions on the impact of important tax issues on local governments.

Joel has developed extensive relationships with elected and appointed officials at the state and local level. Many of these relationships are concentrated in revenue and finance with strong relationships with finance directors all across Georgia's 538 cities and 159 counties. In addition to these local relationships, Joel has done extensive work with the Georgia Department of Revenue.

Joel began his career in local government by providing planning, zoning, and land use support with over 63 cities and 17 counties for one of Georgia's Regional Commissions. Joel then moved to Talladega, AL where he assisted the city manager in all planning and community development projects. It was in this capacity that Joel first started learning municipal budgeting and operations. Joel's work in Talladega caught the eye of a state trade association, and Joel got his introduction to lobbying with the Alabama Manufactured Housing Association (AMHA) in 2013.

As AMHA's Deputy Director, Joel learned the business operations of one of Alabama's major industries and lobbied on their behalf both locally and on the state level. After nearly four years with AMHA, Joel decided to combine his local government and lobbying experience by taking a job with Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). While at GMA, Joel specialized in a wide array of tax issues and lobbied on behalf of Georgia's 538 cities. Joel's knowledge of local government operations, business operations, and public policy development allowed him to develop a broad array of relationships at the General Assembly, while effectively advocating for all of Georgia's cities.

Joel graduated from Georgia College and State University with a BA in political science and Masters of Public Administration. Joel grew up in Byron, Georgia and currently resides in Atlanta with his wife Lucy and daughter Willow.