Hank Smith

Dr. Hank R. Smith grew up the son of a golf professional in sunny St. George, Utah. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Utah Tech University, Hank earned an MBA from Utah State University and a PhD from BYU, where he is an associate professor. In 2021, Hank lost his father, his brother, and his dear friend and mentor, all within six months. His mother passed away in 2024.

Hank enjoys speaking, writing, and podcasting. His weekly podcast, followHIM, with Hank Smith and John Bytheway, is enjoyed by millions across the globe. He has authored many books and talks, and he speaks to tens of thousands each year. He and his wife, Sara, are the parents of five adorable children. 

Cherie Wright

After losing her husband two years ago, Cherie has found healing through family, flowers, and creativity. With her granddaughters, she runs Wright Flower Company, a flower shop and online business, and she recently launched a flower bar and a skirt line. With nine children, sixty grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, her greatest joy is creating beauty and purpose with the people she loves. 

Troy and Deedra Russell

As a child in an Air Force family, Troy Russell grew up in Dayton, Ohio; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Mount Vernon, Virginia; and Mesa, Arizona. He played defensive back in varsity football in high school. He served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Australia Perth Mission. Troy attended Ricks College (now BYU–Idaho), and Weber State University in Ogden, Utah where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies.

Deedra Valentine was born in Layton, Utah into a loving family of ten children. She was raised on a small family farm and her growing up years included chores of planting, weeding, harvesting, and moving water pipes. Deedra has always been athletic and played multiple sports growing up. She played women’s varsity basketball, soccer, and ran track all three years at Northridge High School. After high school, she joined the Women’s Varsity soccer team at Weber State University. Deedra has always been high energy and makes friends easily.

Troy and Deedra met while both attending Weber State University. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 1996. Troy earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from The University of Western States in Portland, Oregon in 2002. Troy and Deedra moved to Henderson, Nevada in 2002 and have lived there ever since. Troy currently is co-director of Advanced Spine and Rehabilitation in Las Vegas.

Troy and Deedra are the parents of five beautiful children and a new daughter-in-law and adorable baby granddaughter. Their son, Austen, passed away in 2015 at the age of nine.

Troy has been a champion of the Restoration his entire life. He particularly treasures The Book of Mormon. He currently serves as a member of the stake high council of the McCullough Hills Stake in Henderson, Nevada.

Deedra’s church callings have included Gospel Doctrine teacher, ward organist, as well as various callings in the Primary and Young Women’s programs. She considers her family and friends to be her greatest joy and loves spending time in their company.

Tamara McFadden

Tamara McFadden calls Utah home now, but she’s lived all over the United States and in Australia. She has six biological children, three bonus children, one amazing husband, and five grandchildren. She recently headed back to BYU to finish a degree in family studies she started 30 years ago.

Like many people do, Tamara has experienced difficult challenges, but no trial has ever been more difficult than the loss of her youngest son, Walker, who passed away suddenly in a construction accident at the age of 16. Through that experience, she gained a new knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ. She testifies that He really is the Master Healer and the Prince of Peace.