Joel and Kathleen Ashcraft were both born in Ohio to Salvation Army officer parents. As transition is inevitable in The Salvation Army, they both moved and grew up in the greater New York City area.  They have been officers of The Salvation Army for the last 10 years, most recently serving as the Divisional Youth Secretary and Divisional Candidates Secretary for the Northeast Ohio Division based out of Cleveland, Ohio.  They coordinated youth work and lead the candidacy efforts for Salvation Army officership across the Division.  Throughout the summer, they had the distinct privilege of running Camp NEOSA on beautiful Leesville Lake in Carrollton, OH.  Prior to moving to Cleveland, they were corps officers in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY, and loved every minute of their 5 years there.  It is their heart’s cry to see everyone they serve come to know the abundance of life available through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

As the Area Commanders for Greater Cleveland Area Services, Captains Ashcraft will oversee the operations of five Greater Cleveland Corps in Collinwood, East Cleveland, Miles Park, Ohio City, and West Park. Additionally, they will supervise all operations at Harbor Light Complex & Zelma George Family Shelter.


Outside of their professional lives, Joel and Kathleen can be found spending time with their three incredible children – Matthew , Evelyn , and Audrey.  As a family, they love cheering on Matty at his baseball and basketball games, rooting for Evelyn and Audrey in their soccer games, trying new foods, and taking family trips!  Joel is an avid sports fan, and Kathleen loves watching the newest murder mysteries and romantic comedies.

Joel and Kathleen began dating when they were just 16-year-old high school sweethearts and were married shortly after graduating college.  Prior to their service as officers in The Salvation Army, Joel worked in banking for M&T Bank, and Kathleen worked in property management for The Salvation Army. Joel and Kathleen hold master’s degrees in business administration from Asbury University.