Born in about 1925 in Oak Park, Illinois, United States., Adams grew up in a big family, which originally had connections to the Episcopal church. His mother showed interest in Jehovah"s Witnesses and gradually the children also became interested. His father initially showed no interest, but involved himself in a legal case when one of Don"s younger brothers was not exempted from military service.
He eventually became a baptized Witness.
By the 1960s, Adams served directly under the Governing Body as a zone overseer, visiting various countries to audit branch offices and meet with Witness missionaries. Later, Adams directed world missionary activities, and served on the "Bethel Home Committee". In 2000, the New York Daily News described Adams as "a longtime insider..at the world headquarters in Brooklyn Heights".
The Washington Post described Adams as "a 50-year veteran of the organization," which has been restated in subsequent publications.
Adams also serves on the Publishing Committee. Adams became president of the Watch Tower Society after Governing Body member Milton G. Henschel stepped down from the position in 2000.
Adams" presidency is administrative, and he is not considered to have impacted the organization"s ministry as have past Watch Tower Society presidents.
