October 23, 2025

Meet the Board: Joel McKenzie

I currently serve as the HR Business Partner for Tractor Supply’s Navarre Distribution Center. I have been with the organization for nearly two years, and it has truly been one of the best professional experiences of my career. What sets Tractor Supply apart is that our Mission and Values aren’t just words on paper—they are lived out daily by every team member across the company.

At the Navarre Distribution Center, we support more than 200 stores, reaching as far north as Michigan and as far south as South Carolina. While we may not interact directly with customers, our work plays a critical role in ensuring stores are well-stocked with the products they need to meet customer demand. Our operation runs 24/7, 365 days a year, and we are proud to employ over 500 dedicated team members who make this possible.

I was inspired to get involved with the Workforce Development Board by the strong partnerships and unwavering dedication of our community partners who are committed to improving the lives of those who live and work in our area. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with many of these organizations, and their commitment to supporting one another has always stood out to me. When the opportunity arose to join this board, I was truly excited for the chance to contribute—to help sustain and further the very spirit of collaboration and support that has made me value this community so deeply.

The workforce challenge I am most passionate about is talent development and mentorship. I would not be where I am today without the guidance and investment of individuals who took the time to mentor me, and I feel a strong responsibility to do the same for others. Growing internal talent can be challenging, but it is also one of the most important responsibilities of a leader in driving organizational growth. Too often, development is overlooked, yet it consistently delivers one of the strongest returns on investment. By intentionally growing and developing our teams, we not only enhance productivity and retention, but also position our organizations for long-term success.

A fun fact about myself is that my wife and I have been married for 3 years and have two boys, Preston and Everett. As a family, we love spending time outdoors, whether it’s exploring nature or simply enjoying the fresh air together. Personally, I take every opportunity I can to fish and golf. We also share a passion for traveling, discovering new places, trying different foods, and experiencing all that our local community has to offer.

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