By: Julius Konton
Liberia’s Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., stood at the podium of the historic Chicago Theatre on Saturday as graduate student speaker at Adler University’s commencement ceremony where more than 300 students received advanced degrees.
Dr. Joekai, who completed a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, leads one of Liberia’s most ambitious public sector reform programs, guiding a workforce of more than 63,000 civil servants.
“We are building systems that recognize every worker’s contribution,” Dr. Joekai told the audience.
“We want a workplace where people feel they belong and where work-life balance becomes reality”, he added.
Since assuming leadership of the CSA, Dr. Joekai has pushed reforms centered on merit-based recruitment, professional development, and workplace culture transformation.
The initiative aims to strengthen efficiency and accountability while emphasizing fairness and dignity within government institutions.
He credits Adler University’s program as a catalyst that helped translate those values into policy.
“Adler didn’t just teach me the science of managing people,” he said.
“It taught me how to treat people with equity, fairness, and love.”
Joekai’s passion for leadership began in his youth while growing up in rural Liberia. He recalls questioning why community buildings were poorly maintained.
Today, that instinct has shaped a career spanning multiple national leadership roles, including:
Chair, Health and Public Service Network of Africa, where he helps develop a continental framework integrating health professionals into government systems.
Board Chairman, President’s Young Professionals Program, Liberia’s pipeline for emerging government leaders.
Before joining Adler University, Dr. Joekai earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Political Science and Government from the University of Liberia and served in various national positions including Executive Director of the Liberia National Commission on Arms and Director of Civic and Voter Education at the National Elections Commission.
During his doctoral studies, he continued to manage national reforms in Liberia while raising a family.
“There were nights when I’d be researching after a full day’s work, with my three boys running around,” he said smiling.
“But I was resilient, thanks to my family.”
In his address to the graduating class, Dr. Joekai called on peers to use their education to improve lives and shape institutions.
“We are not just earning degrees,” he told the ceremony.
“We are architects of change.”
For Joekai, commencement marks not the end, but a continuation of his mission to lead and serve.
