About State Representative Joel Kitchens   

As the son of an FBI Special Agent, my family moved frequently while I was growing up. I was born in Washington D.C. and finished elementary school, middle school, high school, and college in four different states. Sturgeon Bay has become the hometown I never had as a child.

Inauguration With FamilyI received my Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Ohio State University. Following graduation, I married Sherry Billet, who is also a veterinarian. In 1984, we moved to Sturgeon Bay and started our own veterinary practice. For over 30 years, I managed the business and worked as a farm animal veterinarian in Door and Kewaunee Counties. Sherry continues to operate Peninsula Veterinary Service in Sturgeon Bay. We are the proud parents of three adult children: Rebecca, Caroline and Will.

I ran for the Sturgeon Bay School Board in 1999, a time of financial crisis for the district.  We were able to return the district to sound financial footing and after two years I was elected president of the board, serving for 13 years until I resigned to run for the Assembly.

I am very proud of my role in the Assembly, which has included advocating for common sense legislation to protect both the groundwater and the economy of our district. I firmly believe that these two goals are not mutually exclusive and I will continue to encourage collaboration between our agriculture and conservation communities, as well as our scientists to ensure our district is a healthy community full of opportunities. I am truly enjoying my fourth term in the Assembly and feel honored that the people of 1st Assembly District have trusted me to represent them. 
 
Committees 2022-2023
Assembly Standing Committees:
Committee on Education (Chair)
Committee on Environment (Vice Chair)
Committee on Agriculture
Committee on Tourism