The leadership structure of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints underwent a significant transition during the Saturday afternoon session of the April 2026 general conference. President D. Todd Christofferson, representing the First Presidency, announced the calling of eight new General Authority Seventies and a new Primary General Presidency, signaling a continued focus on global administration and the spiritual education of children.
Among the most prominent changes is a shift within the Presidency of the Seventy. Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai has been called to this high-level leadership circle, a move that becomes effective on Aug. 1, 2026. Elder Tai will succeed Elder S. Mark Palmer, who has served in the presidency since 2021. This appointment places Elder Tai in a position to oversee the work of the Seventy and assist the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in managing the Church’s worldwide operations.
The announcement reflects a diverse selection of professionals—ranging from investment bankers and attorneys to healthcare executives—now tasked with serving as “especial witnesses” of the faith. These leaders are called to assist the Twelve in building up the Church and regulating its affairs across different continents and cultures.
A Global Expansion of the Seventy
The eight new General Authority Seventies called during the April 2026 general conference bring a wide array of international experience and professional expertise. The new cohort includes leaders from Nigeria, South Africa, the Philippines, and the United States, highlighting the Church’s growth outside its traditional North American base.
Elder Christian C. Chigbundu, 51, hails from Ahiaba Okpuala, Nigeria. Before his call, he served as president of the Nigeria Enugu Mission and brings a background in finance and mobility services, having served on several professional boards in Nigeria. Similarly, Elder Thabo Lebethoa, 50, from Soweto, South Africa, joins the Seventy with a degree in accounting and a history of supporting religious education and self-reliance initiatives.
From the Philippines, Elder James O. Fantone, 54, transitions from his role in the Eighth Quorum of the Seventy. A former mission president with a background in education administration and leadership development, Elder Fantone’s experience aligns with the Church’s emphasis on systematic growth in Asia.
The American appointees include Elder Matthew J. Eyring, 56, a Harvard MBA with experience in medical technology and management consulting; Elder Hutch U. Fale, 46, an attorney and former member of the Twelfth Quorum of the Seventy; Elder Kevin J. Hathaway, 51, who previously led the Arkansas Bentonville Mission and has a background in healthcare; Elder Jeremiah J. Morgan, 55, a former public affairs specialist with experience in law; and Elder Paul H. Sinclair, 60, a former president of the England London Mission with extensive experience in organizational leadership.
New Leadership for the Primary Organization
Concurrent with the appointments to the Seventy, the First Presidency announced a new Primary General Presidency, the body responsible for the spiritual development of children ages 18 months to 11 years. The new presidency will officially begin its service on Aug. 1, 2026.
Rosemary K. Chibota, 58, will serve as the Primary General President. Of Malawian origin and raised in Zimbabwe, Sister Chibota currently resides in South Jordan, Utah. She brings a professional background as a human resources generalist for the Church and previously served as a mission leader in the Alabama Birmingham Mission. She holds a master’s degree in management and leadership from Western Governors University.
Serving as First Counselor is Nina M. Garfield, 67, of Orem, Utah. Born in Japan to a Japanese mother and an American father, Sister Garfield is a longtime homemaker and former stake Relief Society president. Joining them as Second Counselor is Theresa A. Collins, 64, of Draper, Utah. Sister Collins studied special education at Utah State University and previously served as a mission leader in the Arkansas Bentonville Mission.
The Primary General Presidency is tasked with strengthening families globally by teaching the gospel to children and counseling with local leaders to ensure the organization’s curriculum and support systems are effective across diverse cultural landscapes.
Transitions and Emeritus Status
As new leaders step into their roles, several veteran General Authority Seventies will transition to emeritus status. This transition typically occurs as leaders approach age 70, allowing them to step back from full-time administrative duties while remaining available for specific assignments.
Effective Aug. 1, 2026, seven leaders will be released: Elders Craig C. Christensen, William K. Jackson, Brook P. Hales, Eduardo Gavarret, Erich W. Kopischke, Peter F. Meurs, and S. Mark Palmer.
| Role/Status | Incoming Leader | Outgoing Leader |
|---|---|---|
| Presidency of the Seventy | Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai | Elder S. Mark Palmer |
| Primary General President | Sister Rosemary K. Chibota | Previous Presidency |
| Emeritus Status | N/A | 7 General Authority Seventies |
The Presidency of the Seventy, now including Elder Tai, consists of seven presidents who oversee all members of the Seventy. They work under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to administer missionary work, temple and family history efforts, and humanitarian aid on a global scale.
These leadership changes conclude a series of administrative updates during the April conference. The Church will continue to implement these transitions through the summer, with the new appointments officially taking their seats on Aug. 1.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on these leadership changes in the comments section below.
