W. Christopher Waddell was called to serve as First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric at the October 2020 general conference. Prior to that, he had served for five years as Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric (2015–2020) and four years as a General Authority Seventy (2011–2015).
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Bishop Waddell received a bachelor’s degree in 1984 from San Diego State University. Beginning in 1984 he worked with Merrill Lynch in several positions, including first vice president of investments.
Bishop Waddell has served in numerous Church callings, including full-time missionary in Spain, bishop, high councilor, mission president’s counselor, stake president, president of the Barcelona Spain Mission, and Area Seventy.
Wayne Christopher Waddell was born in Los Angeles, California, on June 28, 1959. He married Carol Stansel in July 1984. They are the parents of four children.