Joe Kilraine
Self-made man of the people...
I have lived in Cape Coral for almost 20 years. I know the struggles of working families. I came from humble coal-mining family and worked my way up through hard work and education to lead Fortune 100 companies as a chemical engineer and other executive roles, leading people to give their best. Always leading from the front. My career is below should you choose to read it. Just know that I want to take what I have learned and be your servant representative on the City Council. I am ready to rebuild trust in local government by being the first vote to rescind and stop the stipend. I pledge never to take a penny of the stipend and you can take that to the bank.
About Me
My wife Patricia and I have four beautiful and high achieving children. When we retired, we decided Cape Coral was the place for us. My career took me all over the world to some of the most beautiful places on the planet. This is where we landed for life.
Community Involvement
I was taught to give back to my community and country. Here are a few ways I have reinvested my time and treasure in our community.
Community
St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church
Lifetime Member NRA
Past Rotary Club of Cape Coral
Council for Progress
Comes
Republican Party of Lee County
Habitat for Humanity
Knights of Columbus
Harry Chapin Food Bank
Lee County Conservative
Leadership Caucus
First
Cape Coral Caring Center
Brotherhood of Heroes
Sandoval HOA Board President
and many others.
Joe's Career
Leading from the front
Fiscal and business development chops
Career began in manufacturing and engineering, then progressed into international general management. Had P&L responsibility for operations having budgets and capital projects larger than Cape Coral’s at age 25; responsibilities increased with promotions to budgets, capital expenditures & organizations multiples greater than the city’s. Spear headed numerous new business launches, mergers & acquisitions in the US and internationally. Advanced financial and analytical skills, deal development and contract structuring expertise coupled with senior board level expertise, including a strong capacity for developing consensus. Uninhibited in speaking truth to power and telling it like it is.
Cape Coral's infrastructure is in good hands
Tested interpersonal skills at all levels in an organization and with everyone in the public at large. Diverse labor relations experience and direct involvement with contract negotiations, compensation structures, workplace enrichment opportunities. Solid understanding of EMS, fire and community response from decades in petrochemical/refining industry. Expertise in environmental, land use, EPA, water quality, reverse osmosis & treatment facilities, as well as, statutory matters on same. Entrepreneurial small business perspective key to city business development. Restaurants, Recycled materials, alternative energy, civil, environmental engineering, materials testing and building trades are directly applicable to city operations.
The leadership we need now more than ever
The decades of leadership and focus on future needs are key attributes that are extremely important to long term lasting effects as the Cape continues to grow. Such clear, common sense leadership is needed as Council has the potential to project influence upon city policy and its future, well beyond the defined role contained in the city charter. I understand the Cape Budget, processes and current issues and won't be fooled by attempts to promote pet projects and programs that are of less benefit to the residents.
Education
Chemical Engineering
Bachelors of Science
Bucknell University
Chemical Engineers in manufacturing and projects, become grounded in all engineering disciplines including environmental, mechanical, advanced physics, electrical, civil, computer applications, maintenance, regulatory and permitting, as well as overall project management, budget controls, and timelines. These skills will be critical in understanding project work and sorting out the unneeded and wasted costs that have plagued the city. I will use my learned skills to provide oversight and sound governance of city projects and programs. The city's water recovery and aquifer health are key examples of where advanced knowledge can help save millions of wasted tax dollars.
Chemical/Polymer Engineering
Masters of Science
Lehigh University
My advanced polymer (plastics) and materials engineering knowledge will allow for a quicker learning process on some of the more complex needs of the city's maintainability. It will also serve the people well on construction related projects and programs. Projects like marine retention wall longevity, effects on structures and outdoor installation due to sun exposure, longevity of road fabrication materials, and more. Hire an expert from the start and it will get done right the first time.
Finance
Masters of Business Administration
University of Scranton
Business Law & Marketing
Masters of Business Administration
University of Scranton
Contracts, Merger & Acquisitions, and Venture Financing
Doctorate of Business Administration
California Western University
These degrees will help the city gain strong financial, contract interpretation capabilities, and interpersonal skills honed over decades of practical application and benefit the city budget, contracts, labor relations, and the value of employees.
Many city applications are thorough knowledge and understanding of the budget and funding, sound labor relations best practices, interlocular government share responsibilities, etc. I will not support pet project agendas which are not in the strategic and long-term best interest of the city and residents. My merger and acquisition background will help local government in areas of Private/Public Partnership endeavors and enterprise programs such as Sun Splash and the various developer undertakings which are becoming a larger part of the Cape's growth.