On February 12, 2026, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a significant new appointment: Elder Clark G. Gilbert was named as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, marking a pivotal moment for the faith’s global leadership. This decision, which fills the vacancy left by the passing of President Jeffrey R. Holland in December 2025, comes during a period of considerable transition for the Church following the earlier death of President Russell M. Nelson. The reshuffling of the highest ranks—led by President Dallin H. Oaks, who reorganized the First Presidency with Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson as counselors, and the prior calling of Gérald Caussé to the Quorum—has now reached its conclusion with Elder Gilbert’s ordination.
At 55, Elder Gilbert brings a dynamic blend of youthful energy and deep experience to the role. Born in Oakland, California, and raised primarily in Phoenix, Arizona, his journey within the Church and the broader educational landscape has been marked by a drive for innovation and outreach. According to East Idaho News, Elder Gilbert was called to his new office on Wednesday, February 11, and ordained the following day by President Oaks and the other members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
His professional path is as impressive as it is varied. Elder Gilbert’s academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, a master’s from Stanford University, and a doctorate in business administration from Harvard University. He previously led Brigham Young University-Idaho as president and was the founding president of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, a program designed to expand access to affordable, faith-based education across the globe. His leadership also extended into the media sphere, where he served as president of Deseret News and Deseret Digital Media, according to East Idaho News.
Since April 2021, Elder Gilbert has served as a General Authority Seventy, and in August of that year, he became the commissioner of the Church Educational System. These roles placed him at the heart of the Church’s efforts to engage its youth and promote education as a cornerstone of faith and growth. As highlighted by Deseret News, Elder Gilbert’s appointment is widely seen as a reflection of the Church’s ongoing emphasis on youth engagement, educational innovation, and global outreach.
Family has also been a central pillar in Elder Gilbert’s life. He married his wife, Christine, in the Salt Lake Temple in 1994, and together they have raised eight children. This personal foundation, combined with his professional accomplishments, paints a picture of a leader deeply rooted in both faith and family.
In his first public message following the announcement, Elder Gilbert’s focus was clear and heartfelt. Speaking from the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City, he said, “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 encouraged members to seek peace in Jesus Christ and to support the rising generation, underscoring the Church’s mission during this era of transition. “If people all across the world will look to Him, He will make their lives better, more meaningful, more joyful,” he stated, as reported by East Idaho News and echoed by Deseret News.
Elder Gilbert’s words echoed the teachings of President Russell M. Nelson, who often emphasized that true happiness is found only through Jesus Christ. “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,” Elder Gilbert explained, according to Deseret News.
It’s not just his words that have captured attention, but the broader implications of his appointment. As one of the younger apostles, Elder Gilbert’s elevation to the Quorum signals a forward-looking approach as the Church navigates a period of leadership renewal and global expansion. His background in education and digital media positions him uniquely to address the needs of a rapidly growing, increasingly diverse membership, many of whom are young and digitally connected.
His leadership at BYU-Pathway Worldwide stands out as a particularly relevant achievement. The program, which he helped found and lead, has expanded access to higher education for tens of thousands of students worldwide, many in underserved areas. This focus on practical, affordable, and faith-centered learning has become a hallmark of Elder Gilbert’s approach—a fact not lost on Church observers who see education as a key lever for spiritual and temporal progress.
Beyond his professional and ecclesiastical roles, Elder Gilbert’s life has been marked by a commitment to service. He has served in various Church callings, including as a missionary in Japan, bishop, and Area Seventy. This breadth of experience, from local congregational leadership to international educational initiatives, gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the Church today.
His appointment also comes at a time when the Church is striving to maintain continuity and stability amid significant change. The passing of two senior leaders—President Nelson in 2025 and President Holland in late December—left notable gaps at the highest levels of leadership. President Oaks’ decisive action in reorganizing the First Presidency and filling the Quorum’s vacancies demonstrates a commitment to steady, inspired governance during uncertain times.
For many members, Elder Gilbert’s calling is a sign of hope and renewal. His focus on education, his advocacy for the rising generation, and his deep testimony of Jesus Christ resonate with longstanding Church priorities while also pointing toward the future. The Church’s global membership, now numbering in the millions and spread across continents, faces challenges ranging from secularization to economic disparity. Leaders like Elder Gilbert, with their blend of spiritual conviction and worldly expertise, are seen as crucial to meeting these challenges head-on.
In the days following his ordination, Elder Gilbert has continued to emphasize the centrality of Jesus Christ in all aspects of Church life and individual discipleship. “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,” he reaffirmed, according to Deseret News.
As the Church looks to the future, the appointment of Elder Clark G. Gilbert stands as both a capstone to a season of transition and a bridge to new possibilities. His blend of experience, vision, and faith offers a steady hand and a hopeful outlook for a global faith community navigating the complexities of the modern world.