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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a change in leadership for Church Hosting, a role that involves representing the Church to international dignitaries. Gordon H. Smith and Sharon Smith will assume the positions of directors on July 1, 2025.
Gordon H. Smith previously served as an Area Seventy across various North American regions and was a U.S. Senator for Oregon from 1997 to 2009. During his time in the Senate, he chaired the Senate High Tech Task Force Committee and participated in both the Senate Finance and Foreign Relations Committees. Most recently, he held the position of president and CEO at the National Association of Broadcasters for over ten years.
Sharon Smith holds a degree in education from Brigham Young University, where she graduated magna cum laude, and has experience teaching second grade. Her service includes roles such as local Relief Society president and involvement with Senate spouses as well as the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Together, Gordon and Sharon Smith have three children and one foster daughter.
They will take over from J. Christopher and Erlynn E. Lansing, who have been directors since July 2021. Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expressed gratitude for their service: “We are deeply grateful for the Lansings’ exceptional service,” he said. “Their contributions have been invaluable, and they leave a lasting impact on Church Hosting.” He added that "we welcome Gordon and Sharon, who will carry on the important work of fostering positive relationships with global leaders.”
