Joe Pergola was promoted to director of the Cooperative Extension Service in April 2006. He previously worked with the Hillsborough County Extension Service for the past 20 years and served as interim director from January 2007 until he was promoted. Prior to that, he worked as a Regional Family Life Extension Agent, serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Manatee Counties.

Prior to coming to Florida, he worked with the Kentucky Extension Service for 13 years.

He received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Manhattan College and his master's degree from Cornell University in human development and family studies.