Judge Joseph K. Wood is the first black elected County Judge in Arkansas history. He serves in Washington County which is the third largest county in the state and one of the fastest growing in the nation.
Judge Joseph is a foundling. Abandoned in the streets at birth, he was placed in an orphanage and would eventually find his forever family. Joseph’s mother was an educator and his father was a construction worker. Education and hard-work, along with serving the community were expected in the family and values he continues to instill in his children and grandchildren.
Professional Career:
- Washington County Judge
- Deputy Secretary of State - Arkansas
- Wal-Mart Home Office: Head of International Recruitment
- University of Chicago- Booth School of Business – Assistant Director
- Illinois State Bank Commissioner – Bank Examiner
Education & Honors:
- Angels in Adoption Congressional Award, U.S. Congressional Caucus Adoption Institute (2017)
- Henry Toll Fellow, Council of State Government (2016)
- Master of Christian Leadership, Ecclesia College (2016)
- Business Administration, Iowa State University (1987)
Civic Engagement:
- State Board member of The Call – Foster and Adoption Care Non-Profit
- Selective Services Local Board Member
- Former Board of Director for KIPP Delta Public Schools
- Former Arkansas State Representative for Sister Cities International
- Former University of Arkansas Chancellor’s Diversity Advisory Board
- Former Board of Director on Northwest Arkansas Red Cross
Author:
Joseph has published two children’s books, Saving Joey and Adopting Joey (Amazon and Kharis Publishing)
He wrote the foreword to two books, American Vision 20/20 and The Hope…of Things to Come.
Judge Joseph has received many awards and recognition and speaks to many organizations, businesses, schools and universities. Joseph and June will be married 28 years in November. They have three daughters: Paris, Loren J’la, and Candace and enjoy their two grandsons Brian and Joey. They live in Fayetteville and have been members of Christian Life Cathedral since 1997.
