LDS Church names Clark G. Gilbert as newest Apostle, completing leadership transition

In a significant leadership development, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has named Clark G. Gilbert as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The announcement was made by Church President Dallin H. Oaks on February 12, 2026, restoring the quorum to its full membership following the death of Jeffrey R. Holland in December 2025.

This calling comes during a period of notable transition after the passing of Russell M. Nelson in 2025. President Oaks has since reorganized the First Presidency with Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson as counselors, and previously called Gérald Caussé to the Quorum. Elder Gilbert’s appointment completes the leadership reshuffle.

Elder Gilbert, 55, was born in Oakland, California, and raised primarily in Phoenix, Arizona. He has served as a General Authority Seventy since April 2021 and became commissioner of the Church Educational System later that same year, in August.


He married his wife Christine in the Salt Lake Temple in 1994. They are parents of eight children.

A defining feature of Elder Gilbert’s life has been his focus on education and innovation. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, a master’s degree from Stanford University, and a doctorate in business administration from Harvard University.

He later joined Harvard’s faculty.

His professional career includes leadership roles in media and higher education. He served as CEO of Deseret Digital Media and later as president of Deseret News. In 2015, he became president of BYU-Idaho and later the founding president of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, where he helped expand affordable education globally.

Elder Gilbert has consistently emphasized education as a tool for spiritual and economic growth. As commissioner of the Church Educational System since 2021, he promoted global access to faith-based learning and leadership development.

In his first message after the call, he described, “this is an amazing time to point people to the Savior Jesus Christ… When we do that, we can find joy and comfort and peace in Him,” and encouraged members to seek peace in Jesus Christ while supporting the rising generation.

His calling reflects the Church’s ongoing emphasis on youth engagement, education, and worldwide growth.

As one of the younger apostles, Elder Gilbert’s appointment signals a forward-looking approach as the Church continues navigating a period of leadership renewal and global expansion.