Joel Runnels

Background

About Joel Runnels

I am an experienced, impact-driven professional with a strong record of leadership across the public, nonprofit, and faith-based sectors, specializing in grants and contract management, program compliance, community engagement, and equity-focused systems change. As a Foreign Service Officer with USAID, I directed and evaluated multi-million dollar initiatives at the intersection of education, workforce development, and disability inclusion. I’ve led federally funded programs from design through implementation and closeout—ensuring audit-ready compliance, building sustainable partnerships, in collaboration with under-represented communities. With the recent dissolution of USAID and the elimination of my role, I’m actively seeking my next opportunity to contribute to advancing equity and impact through grants, research, and community-based collaboration.