Joel Barker

Senior Consultant & Shareholder

Joel is a Senior Consultant at Great River Strategies. He has provided strategic counsel to over 100 businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government entities in the areas of technology, leadership, development, and process improvement. Joel is also the co-founder and President of Brave North Technology, a Minnesota-based technology firm partnering with over 250 businesses and nonprofits to develop and manage technology systems that support their missions. At Brave North Technology, Joel oversees the fractional Chief Technology Officer (CTO) services for midsize nonprofits and strategic technology project management. His past leadership roles include serving as Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Fraser, a regional mental healthcare provider with a budget of over $75 million, and over 1,500 staff, and as Chief Strategy Officer at Washburn Center for Children. Joel serves on the boards for Missions Inc., Shooting Star Foundation, and Shavlik Family Foundation. He is a frequent speaker at local and regional conferences and events.