The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today announced a reorganization in its Sunday School general presidency. Tad R. Callister will continue as the general president, Devin G. Durrant (currently the second counselor) will now be the first counselor, and Brian K. Ashton will replace John S. Tanner as second counselor. Tanner was recently appointed president of Brigham Young University–Hawaii.
Brother Ashton is completing his service as president of the Texas Houston South Mission, where he has served with his wife, Melinda Earl Ashton, since July of 2012. The Ashtons are the parents of seven children.
Brother Ashton received a bachelor of arts degree from Brigham Young University and a master of business administration degree from Harvard University. He has worked as a business manager, as an executive and as a board member at various companies since 1998.