John and his wife, Kelly, served in the pastorate for 13 years in the United States before joining Wycliffe USA in 2001. They are passionate about seeing God transform people and communities when they experience his Word in a language and form they truly understand.

The Chesnuts spent nine years in the Philippines where John served in a variety of leadership roles with SIL Philippines and SIL International Asia Area, including Director of SIL Philippines.

In 2011, the Chesnuts returned to the United States where John served as Chief Development and Partnerships Officer for Wycliffe USA. John earned a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Denver Seminary, and he began his service as Wycliffe USA President/CEO in 2019.

Dr. Chesnut and his wife have seven children through birth and adoption. They love the tapestry of nations God has woven together in their family. In his spare time, John enjoys the outdoors — whether hiking, teaching his grandkids how to fish on the lake or going on an early morning walk.