Joe began his career as an apprentice lineman in 1977 for the Boone County REMC, after graduating from Lebanon Senior High School. From 1979 to 1983, Joe worked and studied as an apprentice with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 481. For the next seven years, Joe worked as Journeyman Wireman and Foreman for various contractors who are signatory to contracts with the IBEW Local 481.

Beginning in 1990, Joe was named as the Business Representative and Referral Agent for IBEW Local 481. In this position, which he held for thirteen years, Joe was responsible for organizing efforts, contract negotiations, grievance management and day-to-day operations for the local. Joe was twice elected by Local 481’s membership to serve as their representative at the IBEW’s national convention.

In 2003, Joe was elected Secretary/Treasurer for the Indiana State AFL-CIO. In this role, he is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the AFL-CIO office. In addition, he spends a great deal of time working with the Indiana General Assembly in order to promote legislation which enhances the quality of life for all working families in Indiana.

Joe also has a long record of community service in addition to his service on behalf of his brothers and sisters in the union movement. Since 1991, Joe has served on the Board of Directors for Lebanon Utilities, appointed to that position by Mayor Jim Acton. Joe serves as Vice President of that Board. From 1994 to 1997, Joe served as a member of the Indianapolis Private Industry Council, after being appointed by then Mayor Stephen Goldsmith. From 2000 to 2002, Joe also served as a board member of the Ulen Country Club.

Joe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the George Meany Center ( Antioch University), which he earned in 1999.