First Presidency Announces 2026–2027 Area Leadership Assignments

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has shared the 2026–2027 area leadership assignments and announced changes to enhance support in Area Presidencies for the needs of a growing Church. These changes take effect on August 1, 2026.

Each General Authority Seventy or Area Seventy serves in an Area Presidency. There are no specific counselor designations. The Area President is on the left, marked with an asterisk, with those serving in the Area Presidency shown to the right.

United States Central Area: Elder José A. Teixeira, President; Elder Ricardo P. Giménez; Elder Karl D. Hirst; Elder James O. Fantone.

United States Northeast Area: Elder Robert M. Daines, President; Elder Joni L. Koch; Elder Alan T. Phillips; Elder Kevin J. Hathaway.

United States Southeast Area: Elder Massimo De Feo, President; Elder Aroldo B. Cavalcante; Elder John D. Amos.

United States Southwest Area: Elder Michael A. Dunn, President; Elder Joaquin E. Costa; Elder Sergio R. Vargas; Elder Christian C. Chigbundu.

United States West Area: Elder Takashi Wada, President; Elder Peter M. Johnson; Elder Hugo E. Martínez; Elder Hutch U. Fale.

Utah Area: Elder Brian K. Taylor, President; Elder John A. McCune; Elder Jorge T. Becerra; Elder Thabo Lebethoa.

Africa Central Area: Elder Paul B. Pieper, President; Elder Alfred Kyungu; Elder Christophe G. Giraud-Carrier.

Africa South Area: Elder Carlos A. Godoy, President; Elder Vaiangina Sikahema; Elder Ozani Farias.

Africa West Area: Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran, President; Elder Isaac K. Morrison; Elder Jonathan S. Schmitt; Elder D. Martin Goury.

Asia Area: Elder Kelly R. Johnson, President; Elder David L. Buckner; Elder Wan-Liang Wu.

Asia North Area: Elder J. Kimo Esplin, President; Elder Christopher H. Kim; Elder Michael John U. Teh.

Brazil Area: Elder Ciro Schmeil, President; Elder Denelson Silva; Elder Ronald M. Barcellos; Elder B. Corey Cuvelier.

Canada Area: Elder Vern P. Stanfill, President; Elder Matthew L. Carpenter; Elder James E. Evanson.

Caribbean Area: Elder Valeri V. Cordón, President; Elder Hugo Montoya; Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt.

Central America Area: Elder Patricio M. Guiffra, President; Elder Ryan K. Olsen; Elder Gregorio E. Casillas.

Eurasian Area: Elder Aleksandr A. Drachyov, President; Elder Nikolai Ustyuzhaninov; Elder Vladimir N. Astashov. All are Area Seventies.

Europe Central Area: Elder Jack N. Gerard, President; Elder James W. McConkie III; Elder Michael Cziesla.

Europe North Area: Elder Kevin W. Pearson, President; Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis; Elder Paul H. Sinclair.

Mexico Area: Elder Moisés Villanueva, President; Elder Jose L. Alonso; Elder Brik V. Eyre; Elder Jorge M. Alvarado.

Middle East / Africa North Area: Elder Anthony D. Perkins, President; Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella; Elder Edward B. Rowe.

Pacific Area: Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, President; Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi; Elder Hans T. Boom; Elder Matthew J. Eyring.

Philippines Area: Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr., President; Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong; Elder Steven D. Shumway.

South America Northwest Area: Elder Juan Pablo Villar, President; Elder Sandino Roman; Elder Steven C. Barlow.

South America South Area: Elder Alan R. Walker, President; Elder Mathias Held; Elder Aaron T. Hall.

There are 24 areas in the Church: six within the United States and 18 outside. Established in 1984, these areas guide the Church’s work worldwide. The Area Presidencies for the United States and the Middle East/Africa North Area operate from Salt Lake City, Utah.

“The Seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Twelve … in building up the Church and regulating all the affairs of the same in all nations” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:34).

Source link


Comments

12 responses to “First Presidency Announces 2026–2027 Area Leadership Assignments”

  1. Freaky Ratbuster Avatar
    Freaky Ratbuster

    Just what the world needed—more ecclesiastical rearranging! I mean, who doesn’t love a good game of musical chairs with the Area Presidencies? 🎶🚶‍♂️

  2. Looks like the First Presidency is really on it, assigning leaders like it’s a game of musical chairs—can’t wait to see who gets the best seat! 🎶💺

  3. Alley Fiend Avatar
    Alley Fiend

    Leadership changes? Oh joy, just what we needed—more suits in the pews! 🎩 Can’t wait to see how this “enhanced support” translates into actual results. 🙄

  4. Gold 
Bentley Avatar
    Gold Bentley

    Just what we needed—more leaders on the payroll to make sure everything runs as smoothly as a Swiss watch. Cheers to a well-structured game of musical chairs! 🎉

  5. trixie doodle Avatar
    trixie doodle

    So, they’ve shuffled the deck for 2026-2027, eh? Must be a real thrill for those Area Presidents to finally get their moment in the spotlight! 🎉

  6. Mum Mary Avatar

    Looks like the First Presidency is at it again, assigning leaders like it’s a game of musical chairs—hope they brought their best moves for 2026! 🎶🪑

  7. Sweet Bacon Avatar
    Sweet Bacon

    Looks like they finally decided to shake things up a bit, eh? I mean, who knew 2026 could be such an exciting year for area leadership assignments? 🎉

  8. Nice to see the ecclesiastical chessboard getting a makeover for 2026-2027—because we all know nothing screams “leadership” like a game of musical chairs! 🎶😏

  9. wonder lady Avatar
    wonder lady

    So, the First Presidency is shaking things up with new area leaders for 2026-2027—because nothing says “modernization” like a fresh lineup of Elder’s names we can’t pronounce! 😅

  10. dahlia bumble Avatar
    dahlia bumble

    Looks like they’ve really outdone themselves this time, assigning a small army of leaders to tackle a bit of “growing” — I mean, who needs actual growth strategies when you’ve got a dozen titles, right? 😂

  11. the howling swede Avatar
    the howling swede

    Just what we needed—more leadership assignments to spice up our lives! Who knew the Church was running a global game of musical chairs? 😏🎶

  12. Universe Bullet Avatar
    Universe Bullet

    Looks like the First Presidency decided it’s time for a game of musical chairs with the area leadership. Hope they’ve got their passports ready for all that jet-setting! ✈️😂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

Fears Over UK Trade Policy Resurface Amid Brexit Divisions in London, 2026

Fears Over UK Trade Policy Resurface Amid Brexit Divisions in London, 2026

LONDON, United Kingdom – May 18, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — UK trade policy has once again become one of the most discussed political and economic topics in Britain after renewed Brexit tensions pushed the issue back into national headlines. The latest political disagreements surrounding Britain’s future relationship with the European Union have triggered fresh concerns from businesses, investor

Read More

Ex-PM Tsipras Aims to Unite Greece’s Divided Opposition with New Party

Ex-PM Tsipras Aims to Unite Greece’s Divided Opposition with New Party

The 53-year-old pediatrician became a prominent leader in a series of protests against the nation’s political leadership after a crash and alleged governmental cover-up. However, she distanced herself from many supporters with statements close to right-wing populism concerning abortion rights and relations with Turkey.
“Her stances are reminiscent of [Italy’s] 5Star Movement, but with a more

Read More

What Jesus Likely Ate Based on Historical Records

What Jesus Likely Ate Based on Historical Records

One of history’s most renowned figures, Jesus of Nazareth, believed by scholars to have been born between 6 and 4 BC, is recognized by Christians as the Messiah. His life and teachings are detailed in the New Testament of the Bible.
These scriptures also reference some of the foods he ate. For instance, the Gospel of Matthew recounts the miracle where Jesus fed five thousand, as well as wom

Read More

Lithuania Faces Heightened Baltic Security Crisis Amid Russian GPS Threat Warning in 2026

Lithuania Faces Heightened Baltic Security Crisis Amid Russian GPS Threat Warning in 2026

VILNIUS, Lithuania – May 26 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Baltic security crisis concerns escalated after Lithuanian officials warned that Russia possesses the capability to falsify GPS signals deep into Europe. The warning has intensified regional anxiety surrounding aviation safety, NATO defense coordination, cybersecurity risks, and the growing use of electronic warfare technologies near Europe’s eas

Read More

Electric Ferrari Sparks Outrage from Transport Minister and Across Italy

Electric Ferrari Sparks Outrage from Transport Minister and Across Italy

Salvini’s remarks are expected to escalate tensions between the Italian government and the Agnelli-Elkann family, the principal shareholder in Ferrari and the global car manufacturer Stellantis.
The contentious Luce — the first Ferrari model to be entirely electric and to feature five seats — has immediately caused a stir among traditionalists in Italy.
It also failed to immediately reassure

Read More

Galileo’s Relics: The Museum Display of His Sacrificed Fingers and Teeth

Galileo’s Relics: The Museum Display of His Sacrificed Fingers and Teeth

In 1642, upon Galileo’s death, the Catholic Church denied him burial in consecrated ground due to his controversial theories. Over 380 years later, parts of Galileo Galilei’s body are displayed as valuable exhibits in Italy. Almost a century after his burial, admirers dismembered him, leading to his current veneration in a Florence museum, reminiscent of a saint’s cult.
His righ

Read More

Senegal-IMF Discussions Jolt African Bond Markets Following PM’s Exit in Dakar 2026

Senegal-IMF Discussions Jolt African Bond Markets Following PM’s Exit in Dakar 2026

DAKAR, Senegal – May 26 – Eurotoday — Senegal IMF talks have become increasingly complicated following the departure of the country’s outspoken prime minister, a political development that has intensified concerns among international investors, financial institutions, and sovereign bondholders.
Analysts warn that the leadership transition could delay ongoing negotiations with the International Mon

Read More

Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeev) Arrested in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeev) Arrested in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

An announcement was posted on Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeev)’s official Telegram channel regarding his detention by Czech police in Karlovy Vary, where he resides as appointed by the Russian Orthodox Church. The statement reads:
“Currently, Metropolitan Hilarion cannot personally address the channel’s subscribers. Due to the events in Karlovy Vary, we provide information from the defe

Read More

French poll shows far-right Bardella winning, far-left Mélenchon surging in 2027 election

French poll shows far-right Bardella winning, far-left Mélenchon surging in 2027 election

Mélenchon’s potential qualification for the two-candidate runoff next year is viewed as a nightmare scenario by France’s political center-right and center-left, as polling indicates he would likely suffer a heavy defeat to the far right.
The Odoxa poll indicated that the leader of France Unbowed would garner 16 percent of the vote in the first round, an increase from 12 percent in a similar

Read More

Trump Reiterates 2020 Election Claims 107 Times as U.S. Midterms Approach Washington 2026

Trump Reiterates 2020 Election Claims 107 Times as U.S. Midterms Approach Washington 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – May 26 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Trump election claims have once again become a major political issue in the United States after reports showed former President Donald Trump referenced the 2020 election being “rigged” at least 107 times during the past six months as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
The repeated statements have intensified political divisions across the countr

Read More