SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah board of trustees on Friday appointed H. David Burton to lead the board.

The appointment was made during a 4½-minute conference call, in which Burton expressed his gratitude for the unanimous vote.

"Thank you all for your endorsement and your support. I look forward to having a great year," Burton said.

Burton was designated as an emeritus general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in March 2012 after serving as the church's presiding bishop for 16 years. Burton also served for 14 years as secretary to the church's Presiding Bishopric.

Burton has been on the university's board of trustees since 2013, and he also serves as chairman of the board of trustees for the Utah Transit Authority. Previously, he has worked for Kennecott Utah Copper Corp. and the Utah State Tax Commission.

Burton succeeds Michele Mattsson as the leader of the board for Utah's flagship university. Mattsson served as chairwoman for about two years, and her term ended Thursday, according to a board spokeswoman.

Phillip Clinger will continue to serve as vice chairman of the board of trustees.

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"I think David will be a great chair(man)," Clinger said. "I think he has some unique skills that will come in handy and be very valuable to the board, especially with legislative issues going forward."

Burton earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the U., and a master of business administration degree from the University of Michigan.

Email: mjacobsen@deseretnews.com

Twitter: MorganEJacobsen

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