President M. Russell Ballard has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints since October 6, 1985. He was set apart as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by President Russell M. Nelson on January 14, 2018.
He was born to Melvin R. and Geraldine Smith Ballard. He attended the University of Utah. He served as a counselor to the president of the British Mission. He has been a bishop twice and a high councilor in two stakes. In 1974, he was called as president of the Canada Toronto Mission, where he was serving when he was called to the First Quorum of the Seventy in April of 1976. He served as a member of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy from Feb. 21, 1980, to Oct. 6, 1985.
Prior to his call as a General Authority, Elder Ballard had interests in automotive, real estate, and investment businesses. He has served on many civic committees and boards. He is the author of two books.
He married Barbara Bowen in the Salt Lake Temple Aug. 28, 1951. They have two sons, five daughters and forty grandchildren.