White is only the third international president in The Navigators’ 71-year history. He took over leadership of the organization from Lorne Sanny in 1986. Sanny served as president of The Navigators since the death of the ministry’s founder, Dawson Trotman, in 1956. On January 1, 2005 White was succeeded by Michael W. Treneer, after having served as President for 18 years.
Lauren Libby, vice president of the organization, said that the foresight and careful planning of this transition is characteristic of White’s leadership style:
“Jerry White’s contributions to the worldwide ministry of The Navigators are deeply significant,” Libby said. “When I consider the global changes that have occurred over the past 18 years, we are blessed to have Jerry’s prayerful and thoughtful leadership. 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.”