At the highly anticipated opening session of the April 2025 General Conference, President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unveiled a significant roster of new leaders, marking a transformative moment for the Church. A total of 16 new General Authority Seventies and a new Young Men General Presidency were introduced, prompting much curiosity and excitement among attendees.

Key Leadership Transitions

One of the major announcements was the appointment of Elder Kevin R. Duncan to the Presidency of the Seventy, effective August 1, 2025. Elder Duncan, who has been a General Authority Seventy since 2010, will succeed Elder José A. Teixeira after his dedicated service since 2018. Meanwhile, five General Authority Seventies—Elders David S. Baxter, Randall K. Bennett, Kevin S. Hamilton, Rafael E. Pino, and Jorge F. Zeballos—will transition to emeritus status.

Introducing Elder Kevin R. Duncan

Born in Ogden, Utah, in 1960, Elder Duncan has had a diverse career. With degrees in accounting, taxation, and law from Brigham Young University, he initially became a tax attorney before founding CaseData Corporation, which he retired from in 2005. His extensive Church service includes pivotal roles such as president of the Central America Area and executive director in the Temple Department. Elder Duncan's commitment to the Church is mirrored in his family life; he and his wife, Nancy, have five children.

Roles of the Presidency of the Seventy

The Presidency of the Seventy, comprising seven appointed members, oversees the Seventy, assisting the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in their global missions. Their responsibilities span various ministries, including missionary work, humanitarian efforts, and temple administration.

Spotlight on New General Authority Seventies

The additions to the General Authority Seventies are noteworthy for their diverse backgrounds and experiences. Here's a closer look at a selection of the new leaders:

- Elder John D. Amos: A former U.S. Navy Reserve member, Elder Amos holds engineering degrees and has served in various leadership capacities.

- Elder Ronald M. Barcellos: Hailing from Brazil, he co-founded a successful company and was teaching seminary before his appointment.

- Elder Steven C. Barlow: An executive in healthcare analytics, Elder Barlow's educational background in health education will inform his new role.

- Elder B. Corey Cuvelier: A veteran of Shell Oil Company, Elder Cuvelier has experience in public relations and corporate leadership.

- Elder James E. Evanson: A dentist with over 26 years of practice, Elder Evanson combines his medical expertise with his new leadership role.

- Elder Eduardo F. Ortega: With impressive credentials in architecture and leadership, he has valuable experience in construction project management.

New Young Men General Presidency

The conference also welcomed the new Young Men General Presidency, tasked with promoting the development of young men aged 12 to 18. President Timothy L. Farnes, along with his counselors David J. Wunderli and Sean R. Dixon, will spearhead efforts to guide and support youth through activities and spiritual growth initiatives.

Looking Ahead

The changes initiated at the April 2025 General Conference are not just appointments; they reflect a dynamic evolution within the Church, aiming to enhance its outreach and community impact as it continues to grow worldwide. The new leaders bring a wealth of experience and dedication that is sure to inspire many members and propel Church initiatives forward.

Expect more developments in the coming months as these leaders begin their service, ushering in a new era for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!