Joel Kerley, Chief of Operations of 10 Tanker Air Carrier, recently(2022) retired from the Bureau of Indian Affairs as Director of Aviation and Safety. Joel served in various positions such as engine crewmember, hotshot, smokejumper, Air Attack, District and Regional Aviation Manager within the Forest Service and Department of Interior for 30 plus years entirely in Wildland Fire Management.

Joel has served on many National Wildfire Coordinating Groups over the years and has been a key player on many initiatives involving policy, budget, safety, military wildland fire liaison, and aerial technological advancement programs. Mr. Kerley maintained currency of qualifications throughout his career as Incident Commander Type 3, Division Group Supervisor, Air Tactical Group Supervisor, Air Tactical Supervisor, among other IQCS positions. Joel has also been a Contractor Officer Representative (COR) for the Department of the Interior for last 17 years of his career.

Joel attended Boise State University where he currently resides with his wife in Boise, Idaho.