Elder Scott D. Whiting

Of the Seventy

Elder Scott Duane Whiting believes that his opportunities in life to be of service to God were based on a few major decision points.

Born in April 1961 to Duane and Beverly Whiting, Elder Whiting grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. He feels his first major decision was to serve a mission, followed closely by the decision of how long to serve. Due to circumstances of the time, Elder Whiting had the choice of serving 18 months or two years. “My decision to serve an extra 6 months was profound in preparing me for later service in the Church,” he said.

After completing his service in the Japan Tokyo North Mission, he met his future wife, Jeri Olson, through a mutual friend. The choice to marry her was another crucial decision. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in April 1984.

After completing a bachelor’s degree in Japanese at Brigham Young University, Elder Whiting later earned a juris doctorate from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.

Another major decision Elder Whiting made was when he accepted a call, extended by Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, to serve as a bishop. Elder Ballard asked him if he would see his responsibilities through. He gave the Apostle his word, and though more lucrative job opportunities arose that would have required a move, Elder Whiting honored his promise.

His service helped him develop a passion for “going into the homes of less-active members and helping them renew or make covenants with God.”

The Whitings have five children. Prior to his call to the First Quorum of the Seventy, he worked for a real estate investment company in Hawaii. Elder Whiting has served as elders quorum president, bishop, high councilor, stake Young Men president, stake president, and Area Seventy.