A Legacy of Leadership

Joel E. Boyd moved to Brevard County from Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1962, when his father, Dr. Joseph A. Boyd, left his position as a Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Michigan to join Radiation Inc., a local innovator in the field of technology. Soon after settling in Brevard County, the Boyds developed a special love and appreciation for local waterways, something that continues to be a significant emphasis of their family life to this day. Dr. Boyd later served as Chairman and CEO of Harris Corporation, overseeing the move of its corporate headquarters to Melbourne in 1978, and was also active with leadership roles in numerous charitable and civic organizations throughout his career. In 1987, Dr. Boyd was inducted as a member of the inaugural laureate class of the Junior Achievement of the Space Coast Business Hall of Fame in recognition of his record of business and community achievement.

After being educated at Brevard County Public Schools, Joel moved away for close to a decade while obtaining his higher education and beginning his career in Atlanta. In 1978, he returned home to establish his law practice. He is honored that numerous active client relationships of Boyd & Boyd today date back to those earliest years of his practice. Joel also immediately set about making a mark on the local community. First, as a youthful member of the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in the 1980s, Joel was instrumental in the founding and early leadership of both Keep Brevard Beautiful and the Community Foundation for Brevard. In the 1990s, as his son, Mark, and daughter, Jenni (the natural athlete of the family), were attending some of the same local schools he once did, Joel was a mainstay at area gyms as a youth basketball coach and volunteer leader. During this period, Joel also spearheaded what was then considered the largest fundraising campaign in Brevard County history on behalf of the local art museum. In the 2000s, Joel returned to his roots at the Chamber Board and rose to the position of Chair, this time being instrumental in the founding of Business Voice of Florida’s Space Coast. Joel received the Melbourne Regional Chamber’s 2020 William R. “Bill” Ellis Legacy Award in recognition of his achievements as a local community leader.