Alerts Sign-up
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the addition of 16 new General Authority Seventies during the opening session of the April 2025 general conference. These leaders are appointed by the First Presidency to assist in the global growth and operations of the Church. Described in the Doctrine and Covenants as "especial witnesses," they help in "building up the church and regulating all the affairs" worldwide, aligned with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Serving full-time, General Authority Seventies usually step down upon reaching the age of 70, at which time they are given emeritus status. Below is a brief introduction to the newly called individuals.
Elder John D. Amos, born in Lafayette, Louisiana, served in the United States Navy Reserve and worked at Siemens Energy Inc. He was part of the Tenth Quorum of the Seventy in the North America Southeast Area. He is married to Michelle Evette Wright and they have three children.
Elder Ronald M. Barcellos was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and worked in sales and marketing before cofounding GreenMile, LLC. At the time of his call, he was a seminary teacher in the Orlando Florida South Stake. His wife is Karin Spat Albino, and they have three children.
Elder Steven C. Barlow, from Bountiful, Utah, worked in health education. Before his call, he was part of the Twelfth Quorum of the Seventy in the Utah Area. He is married to Christina Evans and has five children.
Elder Kevin G. Brown, born in Jamaica, worked in education and public policy. He was serving as a member of the Twelfth Quorum of the Seventy in the Utah Area when called. He and his wife, Nadine Lezanne Carter, have five children.
Elder B. Corey Cuvelier, originally from Los Angeles, California, worked for Shell Oil Company. Before his new role, he was part of the Eleventh Quorum of the Seventy in the North America Southwest Area. His wife is Wendi Sue Manwaring and they have four children.
Elder Michael Cziesla of Neumünster, Germany, was a senior corporate partner at McDermott Will & Emery. He was working as ward activity committee chairman for the Darmstadt Ward when appointed. His wife is Margret Anne Rauh, and they have five children.
Elder James E. Evanson, born in Taber, Alberta, Canada, has been a dentist for over 26 years. He was serving as a Sunday School teacher and activity days leader prior to his appointment. He is married to Jody Karil Zobell and has five children and 11 grandchildren.
Elder Brik V. Eyre, originally from Logan, Utah, held several senior roles at Baxter International. He was part of the Twelfth Quorum of the Seventy in the Utah Area when named a General Authority. His wife is Susan Zari Rahimzadeh and they have five children.
Elder Ozani Farias of Recife, Brazil, has worked in various management roles for the Church. Before this role, he was president of the Georgia Atlanta Mission. He is married to Giovanna de Medeiros Prata and they have three children.
Elder Aaron T. Hall from Provo, Utah, previously held executive roles in technology and private equity firms. At the time of this announcement, he was serving in the Twelfth Quorum of the Seventy in the Utah Area. He and his wife, Kimberly Wade, have four children.
Elder Brian J. Holmes, born in Salt Lake City, Utah, worked as general counsel for Charter One, LLC. He was part of the Eleventh Quorum of the Seventy in the North America Southwest Area before his call. His wife, Alyson Margaret Wilson, is the mother of their six children.
Elder Pedro X. Larreal of Valencia, Venezuela, worked in management roles at Nature Sunshine Products Inc. Prior to his new role, he was president of the Texas McAllen Mission. His wife is Sariah Alvarez Campos and they have three children.
Elder Clement M. Matswagothata, from Middlepits, Botswana, served in various automotive leadership roles. He was working as a temple ordinance worker in Johannesburg and a self-reliance specialist at the time of his call. He is married to Novelty Busisiwe Buthelezi and they have three children.
Elder Eduardo F. Ortega, born in Argentina, held real estate and board advisory roles in American Express and other companies. Before this assignment, he was serving in the Sixth Quorum of the Seventy in the Mexico Area. He is married to Gabriela Alejandra Cappi Franzia and they have three children.
Elder Edward B. Rowe from Provo, Utah, served as CEO for the Stirling Foundation. Prior to his appointment, he was in the Twelfth Quorum of the Seventy in the Utah Area. He is married to Brooke Francis and has five children.
Elder Wan-Liang Wu, originally from Taipei, Taiwan, managed operations and maintenance in South America South Area for the Church. Before his appointment, he was president of the Chile Antofagasta Mission. He is married to Marcela Beatriz Castellani and they have three children.
