John Walsh
Television Personality, Criminal Investigator, Human and Victim Rights Advocate, and the host, as well as creator, of America's Most Wanted
John Walsh’s life unraveled in 1981 when his 6-year-old son, Adam, was abducted from a mall near their home in Hollywood, Florida. Two weeks after Adam’s disappearance, his severed head was discovered in a canal 120 miles away from the mall. The devastation led Walsh to dedicate himself to catching fugitives and seeking justice for…
Categories :
Full Bio
John Walsh’s life unraveled in 1981 when his 6-year-old son, Adam, was abducted from a mall near their home in Hollywood, Florida. Two weeks after Adam’s disappearance, his severed head was discovered in a canal 120 miles away from the mall. The devastation led Walsh to dedicate himself to catching fugitives and seeking justice for crime victims.
For more than a decade, Walsh was known as the host of America’s Most Wanted — a groundbreaking show that put fugitives’ profiles in the national spotlight. The FBI credits America’s Most Wanted for leading to the capture of 17 of the fugitives who have appeared on the agency’s 10 Most Wanted list. Walsh says 1,200 suspects have been caught as a result of the show.
Walsh says he accomplished in three days what the FBI couldn’t do in 18 years: finding and capturing murderer John List, who killed his wife and three children.
He’s a co-founder of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Before Adam Walsh’s kidnapping and death, there was no national database on missing children. Law enforcement officers could enter information on stolen cars, stolen guns and stolen jewelry — but there was no central place to keep information on missing children.
John Walsh and his wife Reve pushed Congress to pass the Missing Children Act, which led to the creation of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Living Life with a Mission
In his moving and inspiring presentations, celebrity speaker John Walsh tells the gripping story of how he channeled the most painful event of his life into a mission that would change law enforcement, legislation, and television as we know it.
John Walsh has faced many obstacles along the way, from the FBI’s resistance to changing its policies, to the Justice Department’s initial refusal to acknowledge his cause, to the Fox and Lifetime television network’s decision to cancel America’s Most Wanted. Yet, he found a number of valuable allies who helped to see him through; from law enforcement officials, to members of Congress, to the television executives, governmental officials, and ordinary citizens who believed in his cause.
Above all else, John Walsh is living proof that one person can make a difference. As he tells his audiences — if you believe in something and put your passion in service of it, you will find plenty of good people to support you, willing to help you achieve your dreams — no matter how great or small your mission.
Videos
America's Most Wanted - John Walsh on Coping with his Son's Death
"America's Most Wanted" host: "It needs to be on television"
Books
News
Testimonials
GET IDEAS
1 HOUR OR LESS
