Joseph “Joe” Michaelis is a 1969 graduate of Highland High School and a 1974 graduate of Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He attended the Police Training Institute in Champaign, Illinois, graduating in 1975.

Throughout Highland, Joe can be found volunteering and serving the community. He is a member of the Highland Moose Lodge, the Highland Masonic Temple (3rd Degree Mason), the Highland Historical Society, First Baptist Church in Highland and the Southern Mayors’ Association. He is a volunteer coach for the Highland High School Wrestling Program, Khoury League Baseball and Highland High School Track Program. Additionally, he is a paid coach for the Highland High School Freshman Football program.

Since 2005, Mr. Michaelis has been the Mayor of the City of Highland. He also served Highland as a Police Officer for 30 years and Highland’s Chief of Police for 2 years. Not only has Mayor Michaelis protected our town, he now participates in city government to make Highland a better place to live.