Joe White is the CEO of Kanakuk Ministries and the founder of both Kids Across America and Cross International. Through his leadership, Kanakuk’s multicultural Christian sports camps welcome approximately 24,000 campers and 2,400 college-aged and professional staff each summer, impacting lives from around the world.

A respected pastor, speaker, and ministry leader, Joe has spoken at men’s, women’s, and student conferences, as well as to NFL teams, professional baseball chapels, and on Christian radio. He currently speaks for Kanakuk Institute and Kanakuk Link Year, and has previously ministered through events such as Promise Keepers, Family Talk Radio, AfterDARK College Crusades, and Men at the Cross.

Joe’s ministry vision has extended far beyond camps. In addition to Kanakuk, he has launched initiatives including Kanakuk Haiti, AfterDARK, Pure Excitement, I’m Third Discipleship, and Kids Across America, all aimed at forming strong disciples and pointing people to Christ.

He also brings a strong athletic and academic background, having played defensive tackle for the SMU Mustangs and later coached at Texas A&M University. He earned a B.A. in Biology from Southern Methodist University and has received two honorary doctorates in recognition of his impact in Christian leadership and education.

Joe is also the author of 26 books, writing on faith, discipleship, leadership, and family. Together, Joe and his wife, Debbie-Jo, have been married for more than 50 years and are blessed with four children, 18 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.