Mike Winder"

Mike Winder is a lifelong student of scripture, history, and leadership. A former Utah mayor, state legislator, and business executive, a current city manager and member of several boards, Mike has spent his career building communities and inspiing others--whether through civic service, entrepreneurial ventures, or Gospel teaching. He holds an honors BA in history and a master of business administration from the University of Utah and a leadership certificate from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. Mike has been appointed by governors to the Utah Board of State History and the Utah Arts and Museums Advisory Board. He has authored articles, chapters, and more than a dozen books on Utah history and Latter-day Saint themes, including the regional bestseller Presidents and Prophets: The Story of America's Presidents and the Latter-day Saints.

Mike is a devoted husband to Karyn, father of four, and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Among his callings and assignments, he's been a missionary in Taiwan, Gospel Doctrine teacher, institute instructor, bishopric member, and the historical chair for the Taylorsville Temple Open House and Dedication Committee.

Mike's lifelong love for the scriptures began when he learned to read as a preschooler using the cassettes to follow along with the illustrated Book of Mormon Stories for Beginning Readers. Inspired by his childhood prophet Spencer W. Kimball, he then read the entire standard works by his 12th birthday. His passion for the Book of Mormon shines through in his engaging and accessible style, helping readers of all backgrounds draw closer to Jesus Christ. Gold from the Plates is Mike's effort to highlight the timeless voices of prophets and preachers from the ancient Americas--and to remind us that their words still point us to the Savior today.