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Joe A. Garcia was born and raised in Ohkay Owingeh, NM, and continues to serve his community in traditional, educational, tribal government, and economic development efforts. He has been actively involved in the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) since 1995 and served two 2-year terms as the First Vice President of NCAI prior to being elected President in November 2005. Mr. Garcia completed his third term (January 2005 to December 2006) as Governor of Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan Pueblo), located in northern New Mexico. After his term as Governor, Mr. Garcia was elected Chairman of the All Indian Pueblo Council, an organization formed in 1598 which serves the 19 pueblos of New Mexico. He served as Chairman from 2007 to 2010.

Mr. Garcia is an electrical engineer by profession, earning an electrical engineering degree from the University of New Mexico. In June 2003, he retired from the Los Alamos National Laboratory after 25 years of service. He then started his own firm, MistyLake Consulting Services.

Mr. Garcia has been recognized for his service to his Tribe as well as to the State of New Mexico and the U.S. His awards include numerous local, state, and national awards for his work and service. In 2007, Mr. Garcia was honored to be asked to swear in Governor Richardson as Governor of New Mexico. Later, Governor Richardson proclaimed October 15, 2009, as President Joe Garcia Day in the State of New Mexico, presenting Mr. Garcia with the New Mexico State flag, which was flown over the State Capitol on October 9, 2009.