Joe Stevens is a President and CEO at Nine Rivers Enterprises. He possess expertise in leadership, management consulting, public speaking, coaching, business development and 31 more skills. Colleagues describe him as "It is my sincere pleasure to recommend the expertise of Joe Stevens in regards to his public service and leadership expertise. I met Joe after ousting the incumbent president and was elected to our local school board. District 300 is the sixth largest school district in the Illinois, has a budget of over $200 million, and is incredibly diverse in its economic and ethnic demographics. Upon my inauguration, my new colleagues were apprehensive in regards to what they could expect from a new member who was elected to challenge the status quo. At the first meeting of the new Board, Joe was elected president - a position he was reappointed to unanimously for four consecutive years. His expertise, tact and professional discretion came directly to the forefront when he immediately appointed me as Chair of the vital Policy and Legislative Committee in an effort to allow me to demonstrate my abilities and earn the trust of my new colleagues. Under Joe's collaborative leadership style, our District literally rose from the ashes. Under his guidance, we eliminated a $27 million deficit, enacted policies which enhanced our fiscal strength, transparency and integrity, increased the District's credit rating five fold and saved our constituents over $2 million in interest on a bond issuance, secured mutually beneficial collective bargaining agreements with three of our organized labor associations, and conducted a search for and appointed a new superintendent. Joe's leadership is unique in that it is both collaborative and decisive, and he focuses on the big picture impact of the Board's actions. He seeks the counsel of his colleagues, garners the input of all stakeholders in consideration of the matters before the Board and is welcoming in eliciting differing opinions in forming consensus. Joe is both decisive and unwavering in making difficult decisions and strongly believes true leadership is demonstrated by example rather than authority. I am extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to both work alongside and learn from Joe and enthusiastically recommend him without reservation. Sincerely, John Ryan Board of Education (Ret.) Community Unit School District 300" and "Joe played the role as a CEO being sold to by a team of high level sales people from an energy company. Joe was excellent in forcing them to use their consultative selling skills and engage in a C-Suite conversation that was very challenging. The sales team made multiple calls on Joe and each call got more intense. Joe was excellent at challenging the team and helping them learn how to have better sales conversation at the C- Suite level."