OHIO graduate discusses career in public service, offers words of advice

For Joe Brehm, the decision to return to Southeast Ohio for his graduate studies was driven by a powerful sense of nostalgia and a deep connection to the region.

Now serving as the Co-CEO at Rural Action, Brehm dedicates his career to regional conservation and environmental education, building on the foundations he laid during his time at the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service.

We are grateful to Brehm for sharing his journey here in his own words.

Working in public service

My path in public service truly solidified when I was working on a dairy farm in Washington state.

I kept getting flashes of Southeast Ohio, and the pull to return was so strong that I decided to come back for my master’s work. Meeting with the Environmental Studies program confirmed it was the right fit, especially because of the practicum option that allowed me to put lessons into practice immediately.

Learning beyond the classroom

Image

I chose the Master of Science in Environmental Studies program because it moved beyond purely theoretical learning. I remember being in Ted Bernard’s class where we felt like we were doing actual work, generating new ideas and solutions to real issues rather than just giving PowerPoints on sustainability.

The program took us all over the place. Professors like Bernhard Debatin were incredible at getting us off campus and into the surrounding communities to see things like acid mine drainage firsthand.

Taking the learning out of a purely lecture-based space made it easier to understand how these concepts would translate into a lifelong career.

Evaluating community impact

Since my time as a student, I have been focused on work that builds on the region's assets. One of the most rewarding experiences has been growing the high school internship program, which I co-founded with a former Voinovich School employee.

We grew a small pilot program of five students into an initiative that provided about 300 paid internships for high schoolers over a couple of years. Seeing kids, especially those who might struggle in a traditional classroom brighten up when studying nature was a proud moment.

Being able to put money in their pockets while helping them increase their professional networks is something I am incredibly proud of.

No typical day

In my current role as Co-CEO, there is no such thing as a "typical day," and I thrive on that variety. One day I might be focused on fundraising strategy and supporting staff, and the next I am visiting the hands-on forestry work our programs are doing in the field.

Whether I am coordinating with my Co-CEO, Bryn, or leading a meeting with our program directors to tackle organizational issues, every day is different. I try to keep my schedule responsive so I can make sure our team has exactly what they need to succeed.

Words of wisdom

If I could give any advice to students, it would be to trust that your thoughts, instincts and passions are of the utmost importance to the world.

When you're at the beginning of a career, it’s difficult to have confidence that your perspective matters, but you should pursue those interests relentlessly, it will take you somewhere worth going.

Also, don't overlook the hard stuff.

While being outside with kids or finding endangered plants is the glamorous part of conservation, paperwork, communication and persistence are what actually allow you to leave a positive legacy for future generations.