Jon D. Wilke is a connector. Over the last 20 years, Jon has connected nationally known ministries and church leaders to core audiences and strategic partners, as well as used his connections to create national recognition for smaller non-profits and emerging leaders.   

 Prior to joining ALRC in early 2024, Jon oversaw news operations for the nation’s largest Protestant denomination as the media relations director for the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee. While there, Jon worked on numerous national news stories with major outlets and programs like NPR, MSNBC, CNN, 60 Minutes, and The New York Times. 

 Jon is a seasoned communicator with over two decades of expertise spanning corporate communications, media relations and military public affairs. His experience includes managing media relations for Lifeway Christian Resources, serving as senior producer for the National Religious Broadcasters’ 2018 Program of the Year and consulting with multiple national and international non-profits.  

 Jon honed his skills in managing high-stakes, global communications under pressure during his time as a combat correspondent for the United States Marine Corps. 

 He has traveled to over 40 countries with the military and on mission trips. In Nepal, Jon, who stands at 6’4”, was nicknamed “Two Nepali” by Kathmandu pastors.”