Evan A. Schmutz

Elder Evan A. Schmutz, born on June 6, 1954, in St. George, Utah, has dedicated his life to service, both in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in his career. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English in 1979 and his juris doctor in 1982, both from Brigham Young University. Elder Schmutz served as a full-time missionary in the North Carolina Greensboro Mission, and he later served in leadership roles, including bishop, counselor in a stake presidency, and president of the Philippines Cebu Mission from July 2011 to July 2014. 

In his professional life, Elder Schmutz excelled as an attorney, working with several law firms in Provo and Salt Lake City, Utah, for over thirty-two years. He also worked as a managing partner in the Lehi office of Durham Jones & Pinegar. 

Elder Schmutz’s service to the Church expanded when he was sustained as a General Authority Seventy on April 2, 2016. From 2016 to 2020, he served as counselor and then president of the Philippines Area, contributing significantly to the Church’s work in that region. Currently, he plays a vital role in the Utah Area Presidency, serving as Area Committee Chair and contributing to the Correlation and International Coordinating Departments. 

Elder Schmutz married Cindy Lee Sims in the Provo Utah Temple in 1978. They are the parents of five children and enjoy their roles as grandparents. Elder Schmutz attributes much of his happiness and success to the love and support of his wife.