Joe Bower

Chief Operating Officer

Joe Bower gives the Environmental Council staff the support, resources, and processes they need to successfully protect Michigan's land, air, water, and communities. He also helps give the staff the funds they need by directing annual and major gift fundraising activities and building foundation relations.

Joe joined the Environmental Council in June 2016 as its chief development officer after leading development efforts at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts for 10 years. Bower previously worked as a reporter, editor or freelance writer for a variety of local newspapers and regional and national magazines, including Audubon, Sports Illustrated and National Wildlife.

The Kalamazoo resident extends his service to Michigan through his appointment to the Michigan Underwater Salvage and Preserve Committee and to the Kalamazoo Environmental Concerns Committee.

Bower has a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. The native of southwest Michigan lives with his wife, Maria. They have two children, Sam and Matilda.