Great Living Cincinnatians: Honorees

Joseph H. Head, Jr. is known for his warm humor, balanced judgement, wisdom and ability to articulate and define issues. He has a deep love for his family and has been a tireless contributor to the Cincinnati community.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, he attended and graduated from the Taft School and attended Walnut Hills High School through tenth grade.  He attended and graduated from Yale University in 1954, then served in the U.S. Army’s artillery division for two years while stationed in Germany.

After serving in the Army, Mr. Head attended Harvard Law School, graduating in 1959. He returned to Cincinnati and joined the Graydon, Head and Ritchey law firm, where he worked as an associate for over 25 years before he became a partner and then managing partner. During his time at Graydon, Mr. Head served as trustee and president of the Children’s Home of Greater Cincinnati, was on the board of directors of Fifth Third Bank and directed the LB Harrison Association.

Mr. Head also was on the board of directors of The Christ Hospital for 39 years and sat on the board of the Elizabeth Gamble Deaconess Home Association, which supports the hospital.

In addition to his work within the health sector, Mr. Head served as chair for the Fine Arts Fund Campaign and the Hamilton County Republican Party. He served as a chairman of the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, Cincinnati Business Committee, as President of the Cincinnati Country Club and sat on the board of the Camargo Club.

Mr. Head has been married to his wife, Louise Atkins, for 60 years. They have three children – Lisa, Jeb and Andy.