Speakers

Joe is the Executive Director of the Ely Housing & Redevelopment Authority.

He will be sharing the mission of the HRA and the important role they play providing housing in our community.

 

Joe grew up and graduated from high school in Becker, MN. He worked in the construction field for a number of years and married his spouse, Leah. Joe then served in the US Navy as a Sonar Technician Petty Officer second class. (Rank of E - 5). After the US Navy he and Leah moved to the Iron Range and Joe graduated from Vermilion Community College in 2008. He continued to attend VCC for another two years, taking higher level classes in math and science, which allowed him to transfer to the Civil Engineering program at UMD. Working part time, living in two places and going to classes took a toll. He pivoted, purchased a home in Ely, worked full time and took classes in the evenings, earning a BS Degree in Management and Accounting from DeVry University in 2014.  That same year he accepted the position of Finance Manager and sales consultant at Mike Motors and worked there until it closed, six and a half years later. Other car dealers came calling and he and Leah turned down offers, deciding to stay in Ely.

In 2021, Joe became the Executive Director of the Ely HRA and he hopes to continue the legacy Irene Grahek started more than 30 years ago directing the HRA.