JoAnn Elston was born in Lincoln, Nebraska and moved to Nevada when she was four years old. She attended Carson City schools and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Mrs. Elston taught school in Nevada for thirty years with twenty-seven years teaching fourth and fifth grade students at Echo Loder Elementary in Reno. She also taught gifted children entomology for ten years in addition to her regular classes for the Washoe County School District.

Mrs. Elston was very active in 4-H both locally and at the national level. She has served on numerous state and Washoe County 4-H committees and was named Nevada’s Outstanding 4-H leader and National Alumnus of the Year.

Along with her many community activities, Mrs. Elston has also been very active with the University of Nevada, Reno in Volunteer Services and the UNR Foundation holding many chairmanships and has been honored on numerous occasions for her tireless efforts on behalf of the university.

Mrs. Elston is an accomplished soloist performing at her church. She has also sung the National Anthem at many UNR basketball and football games and at a reception in Shanghai, China as well as many other events.

She and her husband, Jim, have a son, Mark; daughter, Lori; and four grandchildren: Jenny, Becky, Jimmy and Michael.

Governor Sandoval appointed Mrs. Elston to the Judicial Discipline Commission in June 2011. Her term expires on June 14, 2015.