Mike Otterson Retires, Richard Turley, Jr. is New Church P.A.

Michael Otterson has served as the Managing Director of the Public Affairs Department for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 8 years, and as a member of the department for 40 years.

As the spokesman for the Church, his British accent and mannerisms have soothed and informed members and friends of other faiths in all sorts of circumstances. He will retire August 31, 2016.

Newly called to replace him is Richard E. Turley, Jr., currently serving as assistant Church historian and recorder for the Church. He has held that position 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 G. Keetch of the Seventy and executive director for Public Affairs (Mormon Newsroom).

“…Turley supervised the Church History Department as it merged with the Family History Department. He pushed the team to digitize many documents, helped guide the highly regarded Joseph Smith Papers Project (including the groundbreaking release of rare texts from Mormonism’s founder) and assisted in the revision and renovation of the Church History Museum in downtown Salt Lake City” (Salt Lake Tribune).

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