The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced two changes to the Presidency of the Seventy. Elder Carl B. Cook (a member of the presidency since 2018) is now Senior President, and Elder Marcus B. Nash has been appointed to the presidency.
These new assignments fill the vacancy created by Elder Patrick Kearon’s call to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in December 2023. Elder Kearon had served as Senior President of the Presidency of the Seventy since 2020.
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Elder Carl B. Cook
Elder Cook, a native of Ogden, Utah, has served as a General Authority Seventy since 2011. His assignments prior to the Presidency of the Seventy included time in the Africa Southeast Area Presidency. Elder Cook graduated with degrees from Weber State College and Utah State University. Prior to his call to the Seventy, he worked in commercial real estate development. He and his wife, Lynette, are the parents of five children.
Elder Cook has spoken four times in general conference. In his most recent address, delivered in April 2023, he taught that God can help individuals overcome discouragement and keep going — with faith.
“The God of heaven and earth will help us overcome discouragement and whatever obstacles we encounter if we look to Him, follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and just keep going — with faith,” Elder Cook said. “Regardless of the size, scope, and seriousness of the challenges we face in life, we all have times when we feel like stopping, leaving, escaping, or possibly giving up. But exercising faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ, helps us overcome discouragement no matter what obstacles we encounter.”
Elder Marcus B. Nash
Elder Nash has been a General Authority Seventy since 2006. He has served as President of the South America West, South America Northwest, and the Africa West Areas and as an assistant in the North America Northeast and North America Southeast Areas. He has also served as an Assistant Executive Director in the Church History and Correlation Departments, Executive Director of the Correlation Department, and as a member of the Boundary and Leadership Change Committee.
Most recently, Elder Nash was Executive Director of the Missionary Department. He oversaw the announcement in November 2023 that the Church is creating 36 new missions in 2024, putting the total number of missions at 450 — the highest number in Church history.
Speaking to news media, Elder Nash said he was “thrilled and grateful” that so many of the rising generation are choosing to serve. “They are stepping forward against countervailing winds and trends of the world,” he said. “They’re stepping forward to serve. President [Russell M.] Nelson teaches that they have been held in reserve. I agree. It’s a special group.”
Prior to full-time Church service, Elder Nash (a native of Seattle, Washington) was a partner in a major Seattle law firm. He and his wife, Shelley, are the parents of five children.
About the Presidency of the Seventy
The Presidency of the Seventy is a group of seven General Authority Seventies called as presidents by the First Presidency to preside over all members of the Seventy. One of the seven presidents is chosen to preside over the other six (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:93–94). They act under the keys and direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.