Joe Chiappetta is a husband and father of three who loves God, bicycle riding, and hiking. Professionally, Joe is an Author, Christian Ministry Leader, Cartoonist, Publisher, and Trainer. As the author of over a dozen nonfiction and fiction books, as well as numerous magazines and articles, Chiappetta has won many awards. This includes an Illinois Arts Council Award and subsequent speaking tour for his work on the project: "Back Pain Avenger/Disability in Comics."

In 1999, Joe began leading community Bible discussion groups in the Chicago area, and more recently in Pasadena, California. He's one of the founding members of the Chicago International Christian Church, is a current leader in the City of Angels International Christian Church, and leads both members and non-members in areas of applied Christianity, parenting, marriage, service to the poor and those with disabilities, as well as mental health recovery matters.

Joe has served as the Director of MERCYWORLDWIDE for their Chicago Branch, and currently for their Los Angeles Branch. Chiappetta increased the scope of this organization from annual to monthly service projects helping people with disabilities as well as those who are poor.

For the thousands of people who have become employed with the help of this collaborative, Joe was included as part of a Chicago delegation to Washington DC that was awarded the US Department of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Award. This took place while Joe was Director of Workforce Development at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. He has also served as group leader on Chicago's Mayoral Task Force on the Employment of People with Disabilities.

For his family documentary and experimental work on the graphic novel "Silly Daddy," Joe was the recipient of the Xeric Award as well as numerous other award nominations over the years. Silly Daddy is also the ongoing title of his comic strip series, one of the longest running autobiographical comics in the world. Often imitated, he is considered a pioneer in the field of autobiographical cartooning.

Joe received a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and Charity Services from the International College of Christian Ministries in Los Angeles. He's also an alumni of Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts who graduated cum laude and received the Dean's Award. His interdisciplinary education and experiences have encouraged him to use creativity combined with integrity to live a meaningful life to the full.