Biography
Javier Joven is First Hispanic Mayor of Odessa.
Mayor Joven was born and raised in our wonderful city. He is the youngest of three siblings, born in 1965, to Jose and Yolanda Joven. His mom received her angel wings at the age of 88. His father is in his 90's and is known as a Boxing Coach legend here in Odessa. The Mayor says his dad is his role models. He is also strong in his faith!
"Mayor Joven described the win as an improbable victory in the eyes of people, but a glorious victory with the help of God and his volunteers."
Education & Employment
Mayor Joven attended both Ector High School and Odessa High School. When he graduated, he went on to attend Midland College.
He also studied Culinary Arts and attained many accolades as a Sous Chef and Pastry Chef in his ten years in that profession. His career had him traveling the country and working for various corporate hotels and prestigious country clubs as far as New York State.
These days, the Mayor continues his strong work ethic in a different career and runs his own company. He also owns A1-Roofing and Framing as well as A1-Roofing and Construction.
Community Service
Giving back has always been important to Mayor Joven. He is a former District 5 City Council Member, elected to two terms, 1995-1997,1998-1999. He was the first Hispanic to be appointed as the Ector Republican County Vice-Chair. Then, went on the be elected to the Ector County Republican. Pct. Chair #204 (2012 - Present). Mayor Joven has served on various governmental and non-profit boards throughout Odessa. They include these notable boards (both past and present):
- United Way
- Floyd Gwin Little League
- Ector Co. Republican Party Pct Chair 204
- Ector Co. Republican Woman Club
- Mayors Drug and Crime Commission
- Main Street Odessa
- Odessa Firemen Pension Plan
- Gideons
- Odessa Barrio Lions Club
- First Night Odessa
- Founder of the Fire Cracker Fandango
- Boys and Girls Club
- Pop-Warner Football
- Odessa Youth Baseball
- Holiday Heritage Christmas lights grant project.
- Founder and Sponsor of City of Odessa SOB Ordinance
- Advocate of Sanctuary City for the Unborn Odessa, Tx.
- Main Street Odessa
- Gideons
- Barrio Lions Club
- Odessa Partnership
- MOTRAN
- Midland-Odessa Urban Transit District
Family
Mayor Joven has been married to the love of his life, Jo Ann Joven for 40 years and is the proud father of two adult sons and five grandchildren. He believe family is so important!
Joe also has a sense of humor and says this about his marriage: “Jo Ann, my wife, has been married for 38 consecutive years to the same lucky man.”