As President and Chief Executive Officer of East-West Ministries International, Donald “Kurt” Nelson provides leadership and oversight to all worldwide ministry endeavors in the 50+ countries in which East-West currently operates. After serving with East-West for 15 years, Nelson became President and CEO in June 2010 and has served with East-West for a total of 23 years.

Kurt serves on the Board of Directors for East-West Ministries, ECFA and The Moody Center. 

Kurt received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina, his Master’s degree of Theology in World Missions from Dallas Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Ministry degree in Missions Leadership from Columbia International University.

He and his wife, Pat, have been married for 32 years and have nine children (three of whom were adopted from Russia), six grandsons and one granddaughter.