Michael Ballard is a deaf native Californian.  After participating in the 2001 Roma Deaflympics (water polo), he grew to love the people of Western New York while serving an ASL mission. He holds BA & MA degrees in Communication and Communication & Leadership and a doctorate degree in Philosophy of Education. When not learning British Sign Language, Michael loves to spend time building bonfires, fishing, and cast-iron cooking for his family and friends. Michael currently serves as a counselor in the Provo South Stake presidency and on the Church’s ASL Board of Education. Favorite Grub: Buffalo Wings! Fish ‘n’ Chips! Hot Fried Chicken!

President and Sister Ballard have been married for nearly 15 years and together have 5 children, a dog (Haley), and 8 hens. Bishop and Sister Ballard have lived in 4 states during their marriage together.  As a family, they have been to 20 states together with many more planned in the future.