Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Brimhall Succeeds Verkler as CEO at Genealogy Powerhouse FamilySearch

With RootsTech just about 12 weeks away, FamilySearch has announced a significant change in its executive management. Jay L. Verkler has been succeeded by Dennis C. Brimhall as CEO of FamilySearch.

Verkler was the driving force behind the launch of RootsTech, and I had an opportunity to sit down and talk with him about his vision and the reality of the event in 2011.


Here are the details announced today by FamilySearch in their press release:

"FamilySearch International announced today a change in its chief executive officer. Effective January 2, 2012, Dennis C. Brimhall will succeed Jay L. Verkler as CEO of FamilySearch.  Mr. Verkler will continue in a consulting capacity for a few months to ensure a smooth transition.

It is the business culture and practice of FamilySearch, as an organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to regularly rotate its senior leaders. This pattern assures the forward momentum of its core programs.

Over the the past decade under Mr. Verkler's leadership, FamilySearch has shifted its vast stores of genealogical records and resources to a digital, worldwide, internet-based focus. FamilySearch has developed partnerships with many genealogy and technology industry organizations, helping form a broad and deep industry community including companies, societies, and archives."

"Mr. Brimhall comes to FamilySearch with a deep background in management. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University and Northwester University's Kellogg School of Management. He recently served for 17 years as president and CEO of the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver from 1988 until 2005. Since then Mr. Brimhall has held positions of increasing responsibility in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

"FamilySearch looks forward to further strengthening its commitment to the global genealogical community, to publishing and digitizing the world's records, and encouraging all people to discover, preserve, and share their family histories."

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