joe paul, founder & ceo

Few leaders successfully merge AI transformation, civic engagement, and business strategy like Joe Paul. As Founder & CEO of OptimaNova AI, he helps organizations integrate artificial intelligence to streamline operations, unlock data-driven insights, and prepare for the future of work. His human-centered approach to AI adoption ensures companies don’t just implement technology—they master it.

Joe is also a national leader in voter engagement. As Executive Director of Black Men Vote, he led initiatives that registered over 100,000 Black men and increased turnout in battleground states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. His strategic outreach—meeting men in barbershops, churches, and digital spaces—transformed civic participation. His work has been featured on ABC News, Politico, and the Associated Press, where he has spoken on voter mobilization and digital strategy in political outreach.

Previously, Joe served as CEO of Byte Back, where he secured $4.5 million—the largest investment in the nonprofit’s history—to expand AI and digital literacy programs. His data-driven leadership increased certification pass rates from 10% to over 75% and helped thousands transition into tech careers.

As Executive Director & COO of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Joe led a major financial and membership turnaround during the COVID-19 pandemic, generating $1 million in new revenue within 90 days and driving a 94% increase in membership revenue. His ability to execute bold, data-driven strategies made him a trusted leader in both nonprofit and corporate sectors.

Joe also played a key role as COO of The Stafford Foundation, where he developed a five-year strategic plan that led to an 83% increase in revenue through e-commerce innovation, expanding the foundation’s philanthropic reach.

A published author, Joe has written Morning Cup of Joe, AI for Good, and The Doing Good Book. He has been featured as a speaker and thought leader at national conferences, investor summits, and policy forums on AI, leadership, and social impact.

Joe holds a B.A. in Social Science and a B.S. in Spanish and Russian from Florida State University, along with a Digital Leadership Certificate from The Wharton School of Business. Fluent in English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Haitian Creole, he uses his multicultural expertise to bridge global conversations on technology and policy.

His leadership has earned him numerous national awards, including the SHRM “HR Hero” Award, Alpha Phi Alpha National Brother of the Year, FSU Alumni of the Year, and the SXSW Innovation Award for Community Service in Tech.

Whether advising Fortune 500 executives on AI, mobilizing voters, or shaping national conversations on technology and equity, Joe Paul is redefining what leadership looks like in the digital age.