The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced today the calling of 16 new mission presidents and companions, with most assignments beginning in July 2026. The appointments span locations from the United States to Africa and the Pacific, reflecting the global reach of the Church’s missionary program.
Among those called to lead missions are J. Andrew Dent, 48, and his wife, Shannon Dent, who will preside over the Georgia Atlanta North Mission. They succeed President Russell V. Judd and Sister Shawna Judd. Brother Dent, a member of the West Mountain 4th Ward in Payson, Utah, has previously served in numerous leadership positions within the Church, including as a bishopric counselor, high councilor, and ward mission leader. Sister Dent has as well held significant callings, including ward Relief Society president and Primary teacher. Both have prior missionary experience; Brother Dent served in the Canada Vancouver Mission, and Sister Dent in the New York Rochester Mission.
Kirk Feller, 62, and April Feller will lead the Nevada Reno Mission, taking over from President Robert Saxton and Sister Cyneil Saxton. Brother Feller, from the Corner Canyon 2nd Ward in Draper, Utah, has a history of service as a bishop and high councilor. Sister Feller has served as a stake young single adult adviser and ward Relief Society president.
Will Fritcher, 50, and Katie Fritcher will preside over the California Fresno Mission, succeeding President Jeff Davis and Sister Amy Davis. Brother Fritcher has served as a Young Men adviser and former bishop, while Sister Fritcher has held positions in stake and ward Relief Society and Young Women organizations.
Douglas W. Hedger, 59, and Tiffany Lee Hedger will lead the Maryland Baltimore Mission, replacing President Robert J. Brigham and Sister Patricia Brigham. Both Brother and Sister Hedger recently completed a senior missionary service in the Texas San Antonio Mission. Brother Hedger has previously served as a stake president and bishop, while Sister Hedger has held numerous leadership roles in Relief Society and Young Women.
Jason Kerr, 53, and Kristen Kerr will preside over the Japan Kobe Mission, succeeding President Tsuyoshi Sano and Sister Tomomi Sano. Brother Kerr currently serves as a stake presidency counselor and has previously been a bishop. Sister Kerr has served as a ward Young Women president and missionary in the Florida Tampa Mission.
Sione Lavaka, 55, and Mele Lavaka will lead the newly created Papua New Guinea Daru Mission. Brother Lavaka has served as a stake president and bishop, while Sister Lavaka is a temple ordinance worker and former stake Young Women presidency counselor.
Odair Lira, 50, and Edileude Lira will preside over the newly created Angola Luanda North Mission. Brother Lira is currently serving as an Area Seventy and has previously been a stake president. Sister Lira has served in ward Relief Society presidencies.
Solomon Malidadi, 54, and Amalia Dickie Malidadi will lead the newly created Mozambique Nampula Mission, succeeding President Oliva Cowley and Sister Rebecca Cowley. Brother Malidadi is currently a stake president, and Sister Dickie Malidadi is an area organization adviser.
Derek M. Miner, 49, and Stephanie Miner will preside over the South Carolina Columbia Mission, succeeding President Scott Hamblin and Sister Deanna Hamblin. Brother Miner has served as a bishop and high councilor, while Sister Miner is a temple ordinance worker and former stake Relief Society presidency counselor.
Roger E. Parra, 43, and Rocio Marquez De Parra will preside over the Venezuela Caracas Mission, succeeding President Henrry Jose Perez and Sister Airam Susej de Perez Alvarez. Brother Parra is currently a stake president and institute teacher, and Sister Marquez De Parra is a temple ordinance worker.
Greg Porter, 60, and Kaele Porter will preside over the newly created California Victorville Mission. Brother Porter is a high councilor and former bishop, while Sister Porter is a young single adult adviser.
Martin C. Rios, 49, and Veronica Pitarch Rios will preside over the newly created Texas San Antonio South Mission. Brother Rios is an Area Seventy and former stake president, and Sister Rios is a stake Young Women president.
Stuart R. Schofield, 60, and M. Lisa Schofield will preside over the Texas Lubbock Mission, succeeding President Jason L. Langeveld and Sister Jamie Langeveld. Brother Schofield is a temple sealer and Young Men adviser, and Sister Schofield is a stake Young Women president.
Thomas L. Stone, 60, and Kimberly C. Stone will preside over the Brazil Campinas Mission, succeeding President Adam B. Harker and Sister Kimberly Ball Harker. Brother Stone has served as a bishopric counselor and elders quorum president, while Sister Stone has served in ward Young Women and Primary presidencies.
Alexander Tandoh, 55, and Phyllis Tandoh will preside over the Ethiopia Addis Ababa Mission, succeeding President Oliva Cowley and Sister Rebecca Cowley. Brother Tandoh is currently a stake president, and Sister Tandoh is a temple ordinance worker.
Scott W. Wallentine, 58, and Karla R. Wallentine will preside over the newly created Oklahoma Tulsa Mission. Brother Wallentine is a temple ordinance worker and ward temple and family history leader, and Sister Wallentine is a stake Relief Society presidency counselor.
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