Bio

Grew up in Maine with a normal and typical New England background then attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill under scholarship. Joined a campus fraternity, varsity swimmer and a Navy Midshipman. Graduated with a BS degree in Mathematics and a commission in the US Navy. 30-year career in the Navy was predominately with the Navy’s Special Warfare Operations earning numerous combat and leadership awards including the Bronze Star (with combat V) and Purple Heart medals while assigned to SEAL Team ONE in Vietnam. He served in California, Michigan, Vietnam, Cambodia, England, Italy, Thailand, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. During this timeframe, earned an MBA in International Business and completed coursework for PhD. After retirement as a Navy CAPTAIN, employed in the energy and utility industry as a senior manager in construction and operations in Southern California. During this time, also engaged in numerous professional and non-profit organization/advisory board of directors. Following 50 years of employment, Joel and wife, Elizabeth, retired to Hawaii continuing voluntary efforts for several organizations, including the Military Order of the Purple Heart (state commander), Wounded Warrior Ohana (director), UNC Alumni (chair), and others.