Dr. Jerry White will resign from his current position as the international president of The Navigators to chairman of The Navigators U.S. Board of Directors, a role he will assume once a successor is named this fall. In a statement released earlier in May, White announced his decision and the initiation of selecting his successor.

White is only the third international president for The Navigators since the organization’s inception in 1956. In 1986, White succeeded Lorne Sanny who had taken over the position after the death of Navigator’s founder Dawson Trotman in 1956.

“I will not be retiring,” clarified White, explaining why the reason behind his transition.

“I believe that my major contribution has been made,” he said, “and I want to pass on the leadership to the next generation in a timely manner. I am more encouraged today than at any other time in my eighteen years in this role. This is a wonderful time for a new leader to assume this responsibility.”

The Navigators, based in Colordo, reports that White will continue to serve the ministry as a coach and mentor and a resource to his successor. He hopes to contribute to the Body of Christ through speaking and writing.

U.S. Navigators’ Vice President Lauren Libby comments on White’s transition, saying, “Jerry White’s contributions to the worldwide ministry of The Navigators are deeply significant.

Under his presidency, The Navigators’ staff has grown to include 4,000 people to 112 countries worldwide.

“When I consider the global changes that have occurred over the past eighteen years, we are blessed to have Jerry’s prayerful and thoughtful leadership,” said Libby. “We are adapting to an ever-changing world without compromising our values or our beliefs. Jerry’s integrity and commitment to God—and his commitment to the vision of The Navigators—certainly propelled this.”

White’s commitment has included being on the staff since 1966, serving in many full-time staff positions since 1973.

It is not for certain how it will take before fourth president assumes the full responsibilities as international president but a report said The Navigators International Executive Team will decide that in concert with White’s successor.

About Dr. Jerry White

Dr. White, president, now responsible for the worldwide operation of The Navigators, has been on staff with the organization since 1966 and has served full-time in many staff positions since 1973. A graduate of the University of Washington with a B.S. in electrical engineering, White also earned a Masters degree in Astronautics from the Air Force Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in Astronautics from Purdue University. After receiving a commission from the U.S. Air Force, he served as a mission controller at Cape Kennedy and was an associate professor of Astronautics at the Air Force Academy. He retired from the Air Force Reserves with the rank of major general. Dr. White has authored and co-authored (with his wife, Mary) more than ten books. He currently serves as chairman of the board of Christian Management Association.