Joel Carnes

For over a decade, Joel Carnes has worked as a top-level executive, focusing on developing strategy and methodically implementing operations for growth in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Carnes is currently the Chief Pet Officer for Nationwide Pet Insurance, defining the future of pet insurance while protecting over a million pets. Previously, Carnes was brought in as CEO of Alliance for Innovation, where he achieved a successful turnaround, returning the then-struggling national innovation organization to profitability within a year. As Chief Operating Officer for the international innovation agency Second Muse, Carnes drove profitability and growth, developing and operating bespoke business incubators on five continents. He lead organizational transformation as the Vice President of Operations and Strategy for XPRIZE, scaling its business 200% in 3 years. In addition, Joel has also held executive leadership roles with Disney Interactive Media Group, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Activision. 

Joel earned a BA in social ecology from the University of California, Irvine, and is a recognized expert in Operational Excellence with PMP, Lean, and Agile certifications. He has spoken worldwide, from Los Angeles to Washington DC; Tokyo to Dar es Salaam, for various organizations, including presenting on innovation strategies before a Joint Session of Congress, keynoting the national TLG Conference (alongside Apple Founder Steve Wozniak and ASU President Dr. Michael Crow), and TEDx Budapest, where he presented "The Power of Prizes" to drive innovation breakthroughs.  Carnes lives with his wife, Amy, and their two kids in Claremont, CA, where he is actively involved in his local community.  He has served on the Los Angeles County CIO's Innovation Team and is currently on the Board of Independent Shakespeare Company, Los Angeles. He has also been a strategy advisor to the American Red Cross, Los Angeles and Area Governor for Toastmasters.