W. Christopher Waddell

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell was sustained as Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on November 14, 2025.

Prior to this assignment, Bishop Waddell served as both First and Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, beginning his service in 2015. Before his service in the Presiding Bishopric, he served as a General Authority Seventy.

Bishop Waddell has served in numerous Church callings, including full-time missionary in Spain, bishop, high councilor, counselor in a mission presidency, stake president, president of the Spain Barcelona Mission, and Area Seventy.

Bishop Waddell received a bachelor’s degree in 1984 from San Diego State University. Beginning in 1984 he worked with Merrill Lynch in several positions, including first vice president of investments.

Wayne Christopher Waddell was born in Los Angeles, California, on June 28, 1959. He married Carol Stansel in July 1984. They are the parents of four children.