Krista Joseph, District 4

Krista Joseph has lived in Florida since 2007 – ten of those years in St. Johns County. Her first job in the public service sector was a governor-appointed position on the Citrus County Hospital Board; she was confirmed by the Senate for a second term and helped turn around a failing hospital while saving millions in taxpayer dollars.

A mother of five, including two U.S. Navy SEALs, Krista is a frequent speaker to local organizations, inspiring others with memories of her son Charlie Keating IV. In 2016, Charlie was killed in a firefight with ISIS. His death made Krista a Gold Star Mom – a distinction no mother wants but which is worn with pride. She continues to be interviewed by Fox and Friends about her son’s sacrifices. Krista is an award-winning author of the Big-Hearted Charlie series of children’s books. Her most notable book is Charlie Don’t Be a Hero, A Mother’s Story of the Extraordinary Life of Her Son, U.S. Navy SEAL Charles Keating IV.

Krista attended the University of Arizona on a full academic and sports scholarship and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Radio-TV with a minor in marketing. She lettered in running and track eight times. Krista went on to be named high school cross-country Coach of the Year in Arizona. She also coached track in St. Johns County as a volunteer at Ocean Palms Elementary. A lifetime athlete, Krista ran her first marathon at age 12.

Krista lives with her husband Ron, an orthopedic surgeon, and her teenage daughter Ali – an avid swimmer on the Ponte Vedra High School swim team and Planet Swim Team. Ron holds up his end in this family of athletes – he brought home an Olympic bronze medal in figure skating at age 19.

Community Involvement

In addition to the speaking engagements described above, Krista volunteers for the Daughters of the American Revolution and Our Lady Star of the Sea – the church her family attends.