John Shunk
Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer
When John joined World Vision in 2023 as head of its legal department, tasked with responsibility for the organization’s legal affairs, he was thrilled to bring his vast experience to a ministry focused on serving vulnerable children and families. His driving desire is to serve a hurting world by creating legal solutions that achieve successful outcomes for World Vision’s mission, vision, and strategies.
Before coming to World Vision, John advised organizations and worked as lead litigation counsel in both state and federal cases. He served for nearly three decades at the national law firm of Messner Reeves LLP, where he was an equity partner and head of the firm’s labor and employment practice group. As a judge advocate in the United States Air Force, John began his legal career by defending the most complex federal criminal cases and mentoring defense attorneys across a 12-state region.
“Before I came to World Vision, the Lord had been speaking to my heart for years about serving in a ministry that proclaims and demonstrates Christ’s love. I’ve come to believe that the talents and experiences I’ve acquired over the years are part of God’s plan to call and equip me for His service. He has blessed me by providing this opportunity to be in this amazing ministry. With God’s grace and help, I pray that I make the most of His calling.”
—John Shunk, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer
John holds a bachelor’s in political science and English as well as a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Nebraska. He is on the board of the Christian ministry Mothers of Preschoolers International (MOPS) and has served as a board member and chair for Goodwill Industries of Denver as well as on the lay ministry team and board of directors at Calvary Church in Golden, Colorado.
John and his wife, Wendy, live in Arvada, Colorado. They have four children and 10 grandchildren.