Chad Phares

Chad Phares attended Ricks College for one year before his mission. When he returned from serving in Samara, Russia, Ricks had become BYU-Idaho. He was part of the first graduating class to earn more bachelor degrees than associate degrees.

Phares graduated in 2004 in communication with an emphasis in journalism. He said that when he graduated “print was still a thing.” Although “print” was still more prominent when he graduated, he was never really involved with just one medium.

“You have to understand how to use content to reach people in different channels,” said Phares and this is exactly what he has done throughout his career. He took his own advice when he said, “Keep learning.”

He worked as an intern writing and publishing news to the Web for the church magazines. When he finished his internship, a job position opened at the church. Although he was sure he would get the position, he didn’t because he didn’t have enough experience. This was tough for Phares but he persevered, gained experience, and kept learning.

From the time he left his internship, Phares became a newspaper writer and editor, and was Ogden City’s communications manager. While working in these jobs, he taught himself how to film and edit video. With these newly acquired skills, he made shows that were broadcast on local TV.

After gaining more experience, another job position opened up at the church. He was recommended to fill the position and this time he got it.

Returning to work for the church, Phares helped develop the website for Friend magazine. For the last two years, he has been part of the lds.org team. He is their digital publishing coordinator. His job consists of managing the home page of lds.org in 10 languages, running the church’s official Facebook and Twitter pages, and running the social accounts for the members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve.

Phares is responsible for helping improve the content the church produces by standardizing the work. He ensures what they are producing will reach people through the appropriate channels.

Phares attributes 90% of his success to his ability to work hard. He says, “I may not always be the smartest person but there are very few people I have ever met who out work me.” He then goes on to explain, “You can make up for a lack of experience by having a desire to work hard and employers can see that.”

Nine years ago Phares was an intern for the church. Now, he has “quite a bit of influence” on what the church produces because he has and continues to work hard.

He is always pushing to find new ways to do things and he encourages students to do the same because it allows for personal growth.