Joseph K. Wood is a foundling. Abandoned as a newborn in the streets of Chicago one wintry night, he would be saved and taken to St. Vincent's Orphanage. Joseph would eventually be adopted at 10 years old. He became a teen leader in the tough neighborhood of Jeffery Manor. After college, Joseph began his career and went on to hold key leadership positions as a bank examiner with Illinois Commissioners of Banks, assistant director with the University of Chicago Booth School, head of recruitment at Walmart International and Deputy Secretary of State in Arkansas.
In 2016 Joseph was elected the first black county judge in Arkansas history and re-elected in 2018. He served as Cabinet Secretary of Transformation & Shared Services for Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and was recently elected as Chairman of the Republican Party of Arkansas.
Joseph is the author of two children’s books: Saving Joey and Adopting Joey as part of the Joey’s Journey Series and he is currently writing his autobiography. In 2022 he released the history of Washington County Arkansas- from the County Judges of Washington County.
Joseph lives in Arkansas with his wife June. They have three daughters, two son-in-loves, and three incredible grandchildren.
TRAVELS FROM ARKANSAS
Judge Joseph Wood was a hit at our fundraiser even before he was introduced to speak. He talked with many of our guests before the event began, laying the groundwork for audience participation later in the evening. From the moment you meet him, it's clear that he loves people and the Lord. Judge Wood's life story is inherently interesting and he tells it with energy and heart. But even beyond all this, his lively interaction with the audience underscored the most important points of his remarks, and kept everyone engaged. He had people laughing and crying by the end of the night. He cares deeply about the work we do, so he was a natural fit for our fundraiser.
Teri Cline, Executive Director
Pregnancy Hope Center
2421 Washburn Way, Suite A
Klamath Falls, OR