Joe Hardin. Courtesy photo.
CENTRAL COAST — Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) welcomes Joseph S. Hardin, Jr. to the Board of Directors. Hardin brings many years of leadership experience in the military, corporate America and nonprofit organizations.
Hardin graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science. He served four years in the Army, including one year in Vietnam, where he was decorated multiple times for his actions during eight months as a battery commander in Tay Ninh province. After leaving the service in 1971, Hardin went on to earn an MBA from North Texas State University.
After completing his MBA, Hardin spent 13 years in logistics for the Southland Corporation in Dallas, Texas. He left Southland as Vice President of Logistics to join Walmart in 1984. Hardin’s more than 11-year career with Walmart included executive leadership positions in logistics, retail store operations, personnel management, and SAM’s Clubs. Hardin left Walmart as President and Chief Executive Officer of SAM’s Clubs to join Kinko’s in 1996. After four years as President and CEO of Kinko’s, Hardin retired in Santa Barbara in early 2001.
Over the years, Hardin has served on the board of directors for Dean Foods, American Greetings, PetSmart, and White Wave Foods. In addition to his corporate board work, Hardin has also served on the nonprofit boards for Direct Relief, Casa Dorinda, Students in Free Enterprise, and the Corporate Council for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund as well as the boards of both Birnam Wood Golf Club and The Valley Club of Montecito.
About Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation: Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation is committed to honoring the men and women who have served in U.S. military efforts. PCVF does this by supporting veterans and active duty members, and related partner organizations, in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties as well as preserving military history and legacy. The Foundation works to uphold Pierre Claeyssen’s vision that those who have served are “Never Forgotten.” PCVF is funded entirely by private donations. For more information, visit www.pcvf.org or call (805) 259-4394.