The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has appointed Richard E. Turley Jr. as the new managing director of the Church’s Public Affairs Department. Turley replaces Michael Otterson, who had previously announced that he would retire on August 31 of this year and has served as the managing director for the past eight years.

Richard E. Turley Jr. is currently serving as assistant Church historian and recorder for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, position he has held since March 12, 2008.

Turley also served for eight years as managing director of the Family and Church History Department, overseeing the Church Archives and Records Center, the Church History Library and the Museum of Church History and Art.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rick Turley to the Public Affairs Department and look forward to serving with him and benefitting from his leadership, knowledge and experience,” said Elder Von Keetch of the Seventy and executive director for Public Affairs.

Otterson and Turley will work together to transition over the next four months.