Donald Hansen Staheli (born May 9, 1949) is an American author and prominent member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He was the personal secretary to LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley. Staheli is the author of the children's best-seller, The Story of the Walnut Tree, which was published in September 2000.
Staheli was born in Spanish Fork, Utah to Gerald Douglass Staheli and his wife Nadine Hansen. As a young man Staheli served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Franco-Belgium Mission of the Church.
Staheli is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.), and has a Bachelor's degree in History and Master's degrees in International Management and Social Work. He and his wife, Cyndy, have five children and thirteen grandchildren. The couple live in Bountiful, Utah. Cyndy Staheli has been a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Staheli also worked for LDS Family Services for 15 years. He also for a time taught seminary and institute for the Church Educational System.[1] He has contributed many articles to Meridian Magazine.
Staheli served as the president of the LDS Church's France Paris Mission since July 2008.[2][3] Previously, Staheli had been a Regional Representative of the Twelve, a Stake President and Bishop.
Staheli is a private pilot, banjo musician, singer, runner, licensed ham radio operator, author, and song lyricist.