Meet Joe Fiorelli

Joe Fiorelli joined the University five and a half years ago as the director of risk management and insurance. Learn about the unique aspects of his job, how his children bring joy to his life and his favorite summer activity in Charlotte: enjoying a popsicle and a beer.

How would you describe your role at UNC Charlotte?

I handle the operational side of risk management for the University, which includes areas such as insurance, youth protection, vehicle safety, drones and a few other areas.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing people who are not in the risk management field proactively thinking about risks before they take action. Something about an ounce of prevention.

What is something people may not expect about your job in operational risk management?

The most unexpected part of my job is the variety of issues for which I am asked to give advice. One day it’s fireworks, the next day it’s event security and the following day it’s underground storage tanks. This job forces me to broaden my understanding of the world every single day.

In addition to the Charlotte 49ers, who are your favorite sports teams?

I grew up in Madison and went to Wisconsin, so I am a huge Badgers fan. Right now, Charlotte FC is probably my number two with the Packers not far behind.

What do you love about UNC Charlotte?

The natural beauty of campus always makes me smile. The plants and animals that call our campus home are so unique. I think a lot of people can take that for granted.

Who in your life inspires you the most?

The zest for life with which my two kids wake up every morning inspires me more than anything. The idea of waking up so excited about life despite having no idea what’s going to happen that day, and not being in charge of their schedule in any meaningful way, makes me appreciate life so much more.

What’s your favorite summer spot/activity in Charlotte?

My son and I have a tradition we call “popsicle and a beer” that we do every Friday. In our neighborhood, NoDa, the popsicle store is conveniently located next to a brewery, so I pick him up from school/camp and we go get him a popsicle, and I grab a beer and we talk about our week.