Leader Biography

Elder Kent F. Richards

Elder Kent F. Richards was sustained a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 4, 2009, at the age of 63. He served as a counselor in the Chile Area Presidency from 2011 to 2012. He is currently serving as a counselor in the Europe Area Presidency.

Elder Richards graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah in 1969. In 1972 he received his medical degree, also from the University of Utah. He worked as a surgeon for IHC Bryner Clinic from 1977 to 2009 and served as Senior Vice President for four years at Intermountain Health Care. Elder Richards has also served as a clinical professor of surgery at the University of Utah, chairman of the department of surgery at LDS Hospital, and member of the board and executive committee on the IHC board of trustees.

Elder Richards has served in a number of Church callings, including full-time missionary in the Southeast Mexican Mission, elders quorum president, bishop, scoutmaster, high councilor, stake president, and president of the Texas San Antonio Mission.

Kent Farnsworth Richards was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. He married Marsha Gurr in August, 1968. They are the parents of eight children.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.