Discover the New Leaders Appointed at the April 2025 General Conference: Insights and Highlights

At the opening session of the April 2025 general conference, President Dallin H. Oaks announced some important leadership changes in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sixteen new General Authority Seventies were called, and there will be a new Young Men General Presidency starting August 1, 2025.

Key Leadership Updates

Elder Kevin R. Duncan has been named to the Presidency of the Seventy, taking over for Elder José A. Teixeira, who has been part of the presidency since 2018. Alongside this change, five General Authority Seventies will transition to emeritus status, marking the end of their active service.

Elder Duncan has a rich background in finance and law. He has been serving as a General Authority since 2010 and has held various leadership roles, including president of the Central America Area. He holds multiple degrees, including a Juris Doctor from Brigham Young University and has extensive experience as a tax attorney and entrepreneur, having founded CaseData Corporation.

Who’s Who Among the New Leaders?

Other newly appointed leaders bring diverse backgrounds and experiences:

• Elder John D. Amos: Born in Louisiana, his engineering education and military service in the Navy highlight his commitment to leadership.
• Elder Ronald M. Barcellos: A Brazilian native with a business administration background, he’s known for his entrepreneurial spirit as a co-founder of GreenMile, LLC.
• Elder Steven C. Barlow: Hailing from Utah, he has expertise in health education and worked in data analytics in healthcare before his new role.
• Elder Kevin G. Brown: From Jamaica, he has focused on education and governance, having worked with the Church’s religious education programs since 2001.

The breadth of experience among these leaders underscores the Church’s commitment to diversity and innovation.

The Role of the Young Men General Presidency

The Young Men General Presidency plays a vital role in nurturing faith and growth among youth in the Church. They are responsible for guiding and supporting boys aged 12 to 18 through spiritual education, community service, and leadership activities.

The new presidency, which includes President Timothy L. Farnes, First Counselor David J. Wunderli, and Second Counselor Sean R. Dixon, will focus on enhancing the youth program. President Farnes is an experienced investor and advisor, while Brother Wunderli has chaired a board and has held various Church leadership roles. Brother Dixon brings three decades of experience in the Church’s educational programs.

Bridging the Past and Present

Historically, the General Authority Seventies have played a crucial role in maintaining Church growth and organizational continuity. Just as changes in Church leadership today reflect modern dynamics, similar transitions in the past also shaped the Church’s trajectory, from the early days of the organization to its present global reach.

With these new changes, the Church aims for continued relevance and enhancement of its community impact. The added focus on youth suggests an investment in future generations, stressing the importance of mentorship and spiritual education in an ever-evolving world.

Observing social media trends, many Church members express enthusiasm and optimism about these leadership changes, seeing them as a chance for renewed energy and inspiration within their communities.

Keep an eye on these developments as they unfold, illustrating not only the Church’s commitment to leadership but also its adaptability over time. For more information about the Church leaders, visit the Church’s official newsroom.

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