Elder Walter F. Gonzalez was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 31, 2001. He had previously served in the Fourth Quorum of the Seventy, beginning in April 1997, and as an Area Authority in the South America North Area since August 15, 1995.
He is currently serving as the President of the South America South Area. Elder Gonzalez previously served as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, President of the South America West Area, President of the Brazil North Area, First Counselor in the Brazil North Area Presidency, and First Counselor in the South America North Area Presidency.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies at Indiana University and a technician’s certificate in business administration at CEMLAD Institute. His professional career led him to be director of the Church Educational System for the South America North Area. Prior to taking that position, he was a CES employee in several South American countries.
Since joining the Church at age 18, Elder Gonzalez has served in numerous callings, including stake president, president of the Guayaquil Ecuador South Mission (1989–1992), area public affairs director, and regional representative.
Walter Fermin González was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, on November 18, 1952. He married Zulma Anahir in February 1975. They are parents of four children.