
Iris joined the convention in August 2001. Prior to that time she was an assistant project manager for a real estate developer in Baltimore City who specialized in community development, mixed-use and specialty projects, as well as shopping centers and retail stores.
Originally from North Little Rock, Ark., she taught elementary school in Arkansas and fourth grade at St. Martin’s Lutheran School in Annapolis, Md., before moving to Canada. Upon returning to Maryland, she ran a desktop publishing business out of her home for ten years providing services to several large corporations.
She married her high school sweetheart, Ken, who after 35 years left his professional career as a CFO and turn-around specialist to attend The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received a M.Div. in Theology. He is currently pastoring Boulevard Christian Church in Essex. The Whites have three grown children, Kenny, Lisa, and Laura, and twelve grandchildren (including four adopted grandchildren from Colombia, South America).
In her spare time, Iris enjoys being a pastor’s wife and serving the Essex community and being with her family.