When Joseph Smith organized the first Quorum of the Twelve of the Church of the Latter Day Saints in 1835, he ranked the members in order of seniority, by age.
As President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Brigham Young claimed the authority to lead the church after Joseph Smith's death.
The president conducts Quorum meetings and otherwise acts as administrative leader of the apostles.
Due to the death of Boyd K. Packer on July 3, 2015,[4] Russell M. Nelson became the new quorum president.
As of 2014, the President of the Council of Twelve Apostles is Linda L. Booth; she is the first woman to serve in this position.