Joe Shamess is a seasoned investor and entrepreneur whose career spans a high-growth startup exit to private equity and leadership of three companies through every stage of the business lifecycle. As a founder, he’s navigated inception to scale, and as a turnaround CEO, he restored profitability in under six months, driving three consecutive years of 100% profit growth. Over the past eight years, he’s thrived in venture capital, leveraging his expertise as an investor, board advisor, and mentor to shape innovative businesses.

As Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 100-member Small Business Council, Joe shapes national policy for entrepreneurs. A sought-after voice on business and innovation, he has delivered a White House press conference, testified before the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and regularly joins congressional roundtables.

His insights on entrepreneurship and economic policy have earned features in The Economist, Fox News, C-SPAN, BBC, and other leading outlets. Joe holds a BS in Law from the United States Air Force Academy and an MBA in Finance from Auburn University. A decorated veteran, he served 11 years as a special operations pilot, flying 168 combat missions across Afghanistan, the Middle East, and East Africa. Among the first pilots to launch operations against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, his military tenure reflects the discipline and decisiveness he brings to business.

Beyond the boardroom, Joe is an avid outdoorsman, explorer, and amateur historian. He spends weekends hiking and hunting with his family on their farm, always eager to unearth the past or chart new trails.