Gary E. Stevenson is an American religious leader, businessman, and member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Before dedicating himself to full time church leadership, he helped build one of the world’s leading fitness equipment companies, making him one of the few modern religious leaders with a significant entrepreneurial background. His career combines business success, international service, and decades of leadership, making him a widely respected figure among Latter day Saints worldwide.
Who Is Gary E. Stevenson?
Gary Evan Stevenson was born on August 6, 1955, in Ogden, Utah, United States. As of 2026, he is 70 years old. He has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since October 2015, one of the highest governing bodies within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Before this role, he served as Presiding Bishop and as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy.
His reputation extends beyond religion because of his successful business career and his emphasis on faith based leadership, humanitarian service, and global outreach.
Early Life and Family Background
Gary E. Stevenson was born to Evan N. Stevenson and Vera Jean Hall Stevenson and was raised primarily in Cache Valley, Utah. He is an American by nationality.
After graduating from high school, Stevenson served as a full time missionary in the Japan Fukuoka Mission. His years in Japan gave him valuable cultural and language experience that later influenced many of his leadership assignments.
He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Utah State University in 1977, where he met his future wife.
Building a Successful Business Career
Long before becoming a global religious leader, Stevenson established himself as an entrepreneur.
While attending Utah State University, he co founded ICON Health and Fitness, now known as iFIT, alongside business partners in 1977. The company became one of America’s largest manufacturers of home fitness equipment, producing globally recognized brands including NordicTrack, ProForm, and Freemotion.
Stevenson served as the company’s president and chief operating officer for more than three decades. Under his leadership, ICON expanded internationally and became a major force in the home fitness industry.
His experience managing manufacturing, global operations, and corporate growth later shaped his administrative leadership within the Church.
Transition From Business Executive to Church Leadership
Although successful in business, Stevenson gradually devoted more of his life to church service.
His leadership path included serving as:
- Bishop
- Stake presidency counselor
- President of the Japan Nagoya Mission from 2004 to 2007
- Member of the First Quorum of the Seventy in 2008
- President of the Asia North Area
- Presiding Bishop from 2012 to 2015
In October 2015, Church President Thomas S. Monson called Stevenson to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Since then, he has traveled extensively, speaking to church members around the world and participating in humanitarian, educational, and missionary initiatives.
Gary E. Stevenson Net Worth
Gary E. Stevenson’s exact net worth has never been publicly disclosed.
Because he spent more than 30 years helping build ICON Health and Fitness into a multinational company before leaving executive management in 2008, financial observers often estimate his personal wealth to be between $10 million and $30 million. However, this range has not been officially confirmed.
His wealth is believed to have originated primarily from his long executive career rather than his church service.
Investment Portfolio and Business Interests
Publicly available information indicates that Stevenson’s primary financial success came through co founding ICON Health and Fitness.
No verified public records show a broad portfolio of private investments, venture capital holdings, or major real estate developments in his name. Likewise, there are no confirmed reports of significant brand endorsements or startup investments.
His known professional activities have included service on advisory boards and university organizations, reflecting continued involvement in business leadership rather than personal investing.
Marriage, Wife, Children, and Personal Life
Gary E. Stevenson married Lesa Jean Higley in April 1979 after the couple met while attending Utah State University.
Together they have four sons and have spent much of their married life balancing family responsibilities with church service and international assignments.
Friends and colleagues often describe Stevenson as calm, thoughtful, and disciplined. His years living in Japan also contributed to his appreciation for different cultures and international communities.
Leadership Style and Global Influence
Stevenson’s leadership is often characterized by practical management principles combined with spiritual guidance.
Many of his conference messages encourage personal faith, family relationships, service, and preparation. Having managed both a multinational corporation and major church organizations, he frequently emphasizes organization, accountability, and compassionate leadership.
His international assignments across Asia have also given him broad experience working with diverse cultures and growing church communities worldwide.
Achievements and Career Milestones
Stevenson’s accomplishments span both business and religious leadership.
Among his most significant achievements are:
- Co founding ICON Health and Fitness, one of the world’s leading fitness equipment manufacturers.
- Serving as president and chief operating officer until 2008.
- Becoming a General Authority in 2008.
- Serving as Presiding Bishop from 2012 to 2015.
- Being sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in October 2015.
- Receiving an honorary Doctor of Business degree from Utah State University in recognition of his business leadership and public service.
Has Gary E. Stevenson Been Involved in Any Controversies?
Unlike many high profile public figures, Gary E. Stevenson has largely avoided personal controversy.
Public discussions involving him generally relate to broader conversations about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints rather than allegations concerning his personal conduct or business career. Throughout both his corporate and religious leadership, he has maintained a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and dedicated service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Gary E. Stevenson?
Gary E. Stevenson was born on August 6, 1955. As of 2026, he is 70 years old.
What is Gary E. Stevenson’s net worth?
His exact net worth is unknown. Public estimates generally place it between $10 million and $30 million, though no official figure has been released.
Who is Gary E. Stevenson’s wife?
He has been married to Lesa Jean Higley since 1979.
How many children does Gary E. Stevenson have?
Gary E. Stevenson and his wife have four sons.
What company did Gary E. Stevenson help found?
He co founded ICON Health and Fitness, now known as iFIT, a global manufacturer of fitness equipment.
When did Gary E. Stevenson become an apostle?
He became a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in October 2015.
What is Gary E. Stevenson’s current role?
He currently serves as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.
Biography Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gary Evan Stevenson (@garyestevenson) |
| Age | 70 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birth Date | August 6, 1955 |
| Birthplace | Ogden, Utah, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Religious Leader, Former Business Executive |
| Education | Utah State University, B.S. in Business Administration |
| Parents | Evan N. Stevenson and Vera Jean Hall Stevenson |
| Spouse | Lesa Jean Higley |
| Children | Four Sons |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $10 million to $30 million (unconfirmed) |
| Former Company | ICON Health and Fitness (iFIT) |
| Current Role | Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles |
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Final Thoughts
Gary E. Stevenson has built an extraordinary career that bridges the worlds of business and faith. From helping establish one of the leading fitness equipment companies in the United States to serving as one of the highest leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, his journey reflects dedication, leadership, and service. While much of his financial life remains private, his lasting legacy is defined by his influence as an entrepreneur, mentor, and religious leader whose work continues to impact millions around the world.
