Brook P. Hales, 62, secretary to the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been called to serve as a General Authority Seventy. His call became effective Thursday, May 17. In addition to his new responsibilities, Elder Hales will continue in his role as secretary to the First Presidency.

Elder Hales previously served as assistant secretary to the First Presidency from 1997 to 2008.

He received a banking and finance degree from Weber State College in 1980. After graduation, he worked for Commercial Security Bank, Deseret Mutual, American Express, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and in the Church’s finance and records division.

Elder Hales has served in a number of Church callings, including as a full-time missionary in the France Paris Mission, bishopric counselor, high priest group leader, bishop, stake president, priesthood organist, Sunday School teacher and temple sealer.

Brook Phillip Hales was born in Ogden, Utah, on April 7, 1956. He married Denise Imlay Hales in 1981. They are the parents of four children.