On February 13, 2026, a significant chapter unfolded for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Elder Clark G. Gilbert was named the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, according to official announcements reported by multiple outlets, including East Idaho News and Deseret News. His appointment fills the vacancy left by the passing of President Jeffrey R. Holland on December 27, 2025, and completes a period of notable transition for the Church’s highest leadership councils following the death of President Russell M. Nelson.
This reshuffling at the top echelons of the Church began when President Dallin H. Oaks, now serving as President of the Church, reorganized the First Presidency, selecting Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson as his counselors. Gérald Caussé was previously called to the Quorum, and with Elder Gilbert’s appointment, the leadership structure is once again complete, as reported by The Economic Times.
Elder Gilbert’s journey to this calling is marked by a blend of academic achievement, innovative leadership, and deep commitment to faith and education. At 55, he brings a relatively youthful perspective to the Quorum, signaling a forward-looking approach as the Church continues to expand globally and emphasize engagement with younger generations.
Born in Oakland, California, and raised primarily in Phoenix, Arizona, Elder Gilbert’s early life set the stage for a career defined by both spiritual and educational pursuits. He married his wife, Christine, in the Salt Lake Temple in 1994, and together they are the parents of eight children—a detail that underscores his connection to family values so integral to the Church’s teachings.
His educational pedigree is nothing short of impressive. Elder Gilbert earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, followed by a master’s degree from Stanford University, and ultimately a doctorate in business administration from Harvard University. This academic foundation paved the way for a distinguished career in both Church administration and higher education.
In Church service, Elder Gilbert has worn many hats. He has served as a missionary in Japan, a bishop, and an Area Seventy, reflecting a breadth of experience in both local and international contexts. In April 2021, he was called as a General Authority Seventy, and just a few months later, in August, he became Commissioner of the Church Educational System—a role in which he oversaw the Church’s vast educational initiatives worldwide.
Perhaps most notably, Elder Gilbert was the founding president of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, an innovative program designed to expand access to affordable, faith-based education on a global scale. Prior to that, he served as president of Brigham Young University-Idaho, where he was known for championing educational innovation and student-centered learning. His leadership extended to the media sphere as well, having previously led Deseret News and Deseret Digital Media, according to East Idaho News.
The timing of Elder Gilbert’s call is particularly significant. The Church is navigating a period of renewal and global expansion, and his background in both education and digital media positions him to help guide these efforts. Observers see his appointment as a clear signal that the Church’s top leadership is prioritizing youth engagement, technological innovation, and the global reach of its educational programs.
In his first public message following the call, Elder Gilbert’s focus was unmistakable. Speaking from the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City, he shared, “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.” He went on to echo the teachings of President Russell M. Nelson, emphasizing, “As President [Russell M.] Nelson once said, it’s much harder to find happiness where it doesn’t exist. And we’re so grateful that I have this calling now to witness that Jesus is the Christ. If people all across the world will look to Him, He will make their lives better, more meaningful, more joyful. And it happens in and through our Savior Jesus Christ.” (Deseret News)
This message of hope and faith, grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ, has been a consistent theme throughout Elder Gilbert’s career. He has often highlighted the link between faith, education, and individual potential—a perspective shaped by both his academic training and his experiences leading Church educational institutions. “If people all across the world will look to Him, He will make their lives better, more meaningful, more joyful,” he reiterated, as reported by East Idaho News.
His commitment to education is not merely theoretical. At BYU-Pathway Worldwide, Elder Gilbert helped pioneer a model for delivering affordable, accessible education to students across the globe, many of whom might otherwise never have the opportunity to pursue higher learning. This initiative has not only expanded the reach of the Church’s educational mission but has also provided a template for how faith-based organizations can adapt to the changing needs of a global community.
Colleagues and Church members alike have noted Elder Gilbert’s ability to blend tradition with innovation. His approach is rooted in the core doctrines of the Church but is also responsive to the realities of a rapidly changing world. As the Church continues to grow—particularly outside the United States—such adaptability is increasingly vital.
The process of Elder Gilbert’s appointment was carried out with the solemnity and unity characteristic of the Church’s leadership transitions. He was called on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, and ordained the following day by President Dallin H. Oaks and members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This swift and seamless transition underscores the stability and continuity of Church governance even during periods of significant change.
In the wake of President Nelson’s passing, and with the loss of President Jeffrey R. Holland, the Church has faced both sorrow and the challenge of moving forward. The new leadership team—President Oaks, his counselors, and the replenished Quorum—now turns its attention to the future, guided by a renewed sense of mission and unity.
For Elder Gilbert, the road ahead is both daunting and filled with promise. As one of the youngest apostles, he carries the hopes of a rising generation while drawing on the wisdom of those who came before him. His life’s work—at the intersection of faith, education, and innovation—positions him to play a key role in shaping the Church’s direction in the years to come.
As the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints embarks on this new era, Elder Clark G. Gilbert’s appointment stands as a testament to the enduring importance of education, the power of faith, and the belief that, even in times of transition, there is strength—and peace—to be found in looking to Jesus Christ.