BVU Graduate To Lead Central Rivers AEA
Joel Pedersen, a 1999 Buena Vista University graduate, was named Iowa Superintendent of the Year in 2020.
Buena Vista University alum Joel Pedersen has been named Chief Administrator for the Central Rivers Area Education Agency based in Cedar Falls.
Pedersen, who graduated from BVU in 1999, currently serves as Superintendent of Schools at the Cardinal of Eldon Community School District, where he’s been since 2010. He was named Iowa Superintendent of the Year in 2020 by the School Administrators of Iowa.
Pedersen is a native of Ottumwa. Following his BVU graduation, he taught in Chariton, then served as a classroom teacher and eventually a Principal and Director of Special Education Services in the Davis County Community School District in Bloomfield. He holds a master’s degree and an education specialist degree, both from Drake University. Pedersen and his wife, Jamie Pedersen, are the parents of twin sons, Reece and Grant.
In directing Central Rivers AEA, Pedersen will help manage 500 full- and part-time staff members who provide education services, as well as technology and media support to more than 5,000 educators who serve some 62,000 students. He begins his work with the AEA this summer.
“We could not be more thrilled to welcome Mr. Pedersen to his new role,” says Debra Rich, Central Rivers AEA Board President. “He brings an incredible amount of experience, passion, and skill that will continue to move our agency forward in service to children, families, and educators in the 18 counties of Iowa that we serve.