LEADERSHIP
Stewards of a Century-Long Mission.
Kanakuk Ministries is led by a team of men and women who love Jesus, love people, and are committed to stewarding this ministry with humility, faith, and vision. Many of our leaders grew up at Kamp, served as summer staff, or have invested their lives in discipleship. Others bring professional expertise from ministry, education, and leadership roles across the country.
Together, they share a calling: to see Kanakuk remain faithful to its mission of proclaiming Christ and making disciples for generations to come.
Leadership Profiles
Each leader carries a unique story, but all share the same heart. Their work touches everything from camper experience to staff training to alumni engagement and donor care.
Doug Goodwin
PRESIDENT
Doug Goodwin is the President of Kanakuk Ministries. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma when he began working as summer staff for Kanakuk. 38 years later, he and his wife Dee are still dedicated to serving Kanakuk families and equipping them to create lifelong memories that bring them together. They have four children and are ready for adventure each day.
Joe White
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Joe White is the CEO of Kanakuk Kamps and founder of Kids Across America. He is the author of 26 books and speaks across the country for After Dark, Pure Excitement, NFL chapels and Focus on the Family radio. Dr. James Dobson says, “Joe White knows more about teenagers than anyone in North America.” Joe and his wife, Debbie-Jo have been married over 50 years and have four children, 18 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Everything Joe does is centered around developing dynamic Christian leaders.
Chris Stange
CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER
Chris Stange serves as Kanakuk’s Chief Business Officer, bringing a rich history and deep connection to the ministry. His journey with Kanakuk began during his college years as a staff member at K-1. From 1999 through 2013, he played a vital role as Director of Finance and later as CFO, and he is thrilled to return to the organization. Beyond his professional career, Chris’s greatest joy is his family. For the past 25 years, his most important role has been serving his wife, Valerie, and their four children—Reagan, Wren Darnell, Bree, and Brightyn.
Debbie-Jo White
VICE PRESIDENT
Debbie-Jo White is Vice President of Kanakuk Ministries and K-2 Women's Director. In 1971, she was hired to teach gymnastics, cheerleading and dance at K-1. After graduating from SMU, Joe and Debbie-Jo were married in December 1972 and she has been on full time staff since that time. Joe and Debbie-Jo have 4 children and 15 grandchildren. Kanakuk has made such a difference in her life that she wants everyone to experience the excitement, fun, and fellowship that living the I'm Third way of life can bring.
Trish Barnes
EXECUTIVE WOMEN'S DIRECTOR
Trish Barnes is the Executive Women’s Director and K-2 Women’s Director. She graduated from the University of Central Missouri, where she majored in education and has worked at Kanakuk since 1992. She is married to her husband, Jason, and has six children. Trish loves the opportunity that Kanakuk gives her to disciple and mentor teenage girls, helping them see the love that Jesus has for them.
Collin Sparks
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF KAMP MINISTRIES
Collin Sparks is the Executive Director of Kamp Ministries at Kanakuk Kamps and Director of K-Kountry in the summer. Collin grew up going to Kanakuk as a kamper from Texas, worked on summer staff through college at TCU, and even met his wife, Rachel, at Kanakuk. Collin is passionate about investing and equipping the next generation to reach the world for Christ.
Matt Houston
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF KAMP OPERATIONS
Matt Houston is the Executive Director of Kamp Operation and K-1 Director. His Kanakuk journey started on summer staff in 1991. After graduating from the University of Kansas, he worked for K-Life in Kansas City, and joined the Kanakuk Team full time in 1997. He is married to his wife Melissa and they have six children. They are committed to helping develop leaders as Kampers and staff take bold steps in living a life for Christ.
Riley Keith
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES
Riley Keith serves as the Executive Director of Facilities at Kanakuk, where he has been since 2023. He brings a strong background in real estate development, construction, and facilities management. Riley is passionate about building systems that support ministry, creating environments that reflect excellence, and leading with purpose. He played baseball at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he earned his MBA. He and his wife, Summer, have three daughters and love being part of the Kanakuk family.
Jeff Mason
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Jeff Mason
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Rick Braschler
DIRECTOR OF RISK MANAGEMENT
Rick Braschler is the Director of Risk Management. He is a preacher's kid who loves the Lord, the ministry, and the outdoors. Rick is a certified Risk Manager and licensed Insurance Broker with over 23 year of experience, specializing in camps, ministries, and outdoor recreation. He has been with Kanakuk since 2003 helping to accomplish the mission through advancing safety for staff and Kampers. As a married father of five, Rick is passionate about helping Kanakuk provide a safe environment for campers to hear the Gospel and helping others excel in their journey of fun and faith.
Amanda Hurley
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Amanda Hurley
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Adam Donyes
PRESIDENT OF LINK ACADEMY
As the President of Link Academy, Adam is extremely passionate about maximizing the potential within each and every individual that steps foot onto Link Academy’s campus. After graduating from Boise State University, he obtained his Masters in Youth and Family Ministry from John Brown University. He has conveyed his passion for Jesus all over the world the last 15 years and dreams about raising a remnant of young leaders to change this nation for Christ. Aside from Link Academy. Adam’s greatest passion in life is his family. First, his wife, Stephanie, and his sons Aiden and Anders.