Executive Management Team
D. Gary Young (1949–2018)
Founder of Young Living Essential Oils and father of the modern-day essential oils movement
Part inventor and part historian, D. Gary Young understood the untapped potential of nature. His research took him to the farthest corners of the earth, where he pursued the healing wisdom and extracted the natural properties of flowers, herbs, trees, and plants — bottling them into the world’s largest line of essential oils, blends, and oil-infused products.
Raised in a one-bedroom cabin in the mountains of Idaho, Gary understood the value in simplicity, and he developed his essential oil solutions with complete and total purity as the goal. After learning about varying distillation techniques, he worked to develop the Seed to Seal® quality commitment—a philosophy ensuring all oils maintain their natural integrity and potency, connecting people to plants like never before. Gary built Young Living out of his deep conviction that essential oils have power and that through proper advocacy, we can act as the bridge that connects people back to nature.
Part inventor and part historian, D. Gary Young understood the untapped potential of nature. His research took him to the farthest corners of the earth, where he pursued the healing wisdom and extracted the natural properties of flowers, herbs, trees, and plants — bottling them into the world’s largest line of essential oils, blends, and oil-infused products.
Raised in a one-bedroom cabin in the mountains of Idaho, Gary understood the value in simplicity, and he developed his essential oil solutions with complete and total purity as the goal. After learning about varying distillation techniques, he worked to develop the Seed to Seal® quality commitment—a philosophy ensuring all oils maintain their natural integrity and potency, connecting people to plants like never before. Gary built Young Living out of his deep conviction that essential oils have power and that through proper advocacy, we can act as the bridge that connects people back to nature.
Mary Young
Co-Founder, President & CEO
Mary Young plays an active role in Young Living’s day-to-day business, providing direction to the Executive team and employees. She also plays a vital role in mentoring and empowering members as they share the mission and benefits of Young Living with the world.
Mary was introduced to the direct-selling industry in 1985, and within two years she had cultivated and built a successful multimillion-dollar organization. Since the inception of Young Living, Mary has combined her expansive knowledge and experience in the direct-selling industry and hands-on approach to help Young Living become—and remain—the world leader in essential oils.
Mary is also instrumental in Young Living’s philanthropic endeavors, and she leads global outreach efforts through the D. Gary Young Foundation. She embodies Young Living’s commitment to supporting individuals and communities as they strive to live healthy lifestyles.
Mary Young plays an active role in Young Living’s day-to-day business, providing direction to the Executive team and employees. She also plays a vital role in mentoring and empowering members as they share the mission and benefits of Young Living with the world.
Mary was introduced to the direct-selling industry in 1985, and within two years she had cultivated and built a successful multimillion-dollar organization. Since the inception of Young Living, Mary has combined her expansive knowledge and experience in the direct-selling industry and hands-on approach to help Young Living become—and remain—the world leader in essential oils.
Mary is also instrumental in Young Living’s philanthropic endeavors, and she leads global outreach efforts through the D. Gary Young Foundation. She embodies Young Living’s commitment to supporting individuals and communities as they strive to live healthy lifestyles.
Prasad Gankanda
Chief Sales and Operations Officer
Prasad Gankanda was born in Sri Lanka. He learned English while attending Trinity College, a Sri Lankan British boarding school, and began pursuing a pilot’s license while still in high school. At the age of 19, he packed two suitcases and left his home to travel to Logan, Utah, where he earned a degree at Utah State University in mechanical and aerospace engineering. He continues to call Utah home.
Prasad’s thorough understanding of engineering has equipped him to successfully troubleshoot a wide variety of business challenges spanning operations, new market development, and global sales. His signature highly energy translates into high efficiency and productivity throughout his team—a team recognized for producing world-class results. His current team spans the globe at Young Living, where he oversees all revenue and sales operations.
Prasad’s go-to products include Valor® and Highest Potential™ essential oil blends.
Prasad Gankanda was born in Sri Lanka. He learned English while attending Trinity College, a Sri Lankan British boarding school, and began pursuing a pilot’s license while still in high school. At the age of 19, he packed two suitcases and left his home to travel to Logan, Utah, where he earned a degree at Utah State University in mechanical and aerospace engineering. He continues to call Utah home.
Prasad’s thorough understanding of engineering has equipped him to successfully troubleshoot a wide variety of business challenges spanning operations, new market development, and global sales. His signature highly energy translates into high efficiency and productivity throughout his team—a team recognized for producing world-class results. His current team spans the globe at Young Living, where he oversees all revenue and sales operations.
Prasad’s go-to products include Valor® and Highest Potential™ essential oil blends.
Kelly Case
Chief of Staff
Kelly has been a valued member of the Young Living team for more than 15 years, and during this time she has gained invaluable insight into many areas of the business. Kelly joined Young Living as a member of the marketing department and was then promoted to executive assistant to the founders, where she also supported various areas of the business.
Her role quickly evolved to that of a trusted advisor, where she has played a key role through many challenges and company growth.
Most of Kelly’s role has taken place behind the scenes, where she has mediated issues, advised, and bridged communication across disciplines to create a cohesive environment.
Kelly continues to be a strategic advisor, trusted voice, and sounding board to the executive team, CEO Mary Young, and Founder Gary Young but now plays a more visible role to the corporate staff and the strategic day-to-day business.
Kelly has a bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and loves traveling, spending time at the beach, reading, and attending the theatre.
Kelly has been a valued member of the Young Living team for more than 15 years, and during this time she has gained invaluable insight into many areas of the business. Kelly joined Young Living as a member of the marketing department and was then promoted to executive assistant to the founders, where she also supported various areas of the business.
Her role quickly evolved to that of a trusted advisor, where she has played a key role through many challenges and company growth.
Most of Kelly’s role has taken place behind the scenes, where she has mediated issues, advised, and bridged communication across disciplines to create a cohesive environment.
Kelly continues to be a strategic advisor, trusted voice, and sounding board to the executive team, CEO Mary Young, and Founder Gary Young but now plays a more visible role to the corporate staff and the strategic day-to-day business.
Kelly has a bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and loves traveling, spending time at the beach, reading, and attending the theatre.
Melissa Bishop
Chief Financial Officer
A collaborative and out-of-the-box thinker, Melissa joined Young Living with an extensive background in finance and accounting. She has 17 years of experience in the direct sales industry, as well as four years of experience working in public accounting for prestigious firms, including both Arthur Andersen LLP and KPMG International.
Before accepting the position of CFO, Melissa spent four years as the head of Young Living’s Global Tax department ensuring that the company remained compliant in all its markets. She received her master of accountancy degree with an emphasis in tax from Brigham Young University and is a certified public accountant. She has also served as a past president of the Utah chapter of the American Women’s Society of CPAs.
Melissa will read anything, from sci-fi to mysteries. She is very musical and can often be found playing piano. She also loves trying new food, scuba diving, working on DIY projects, and traveling with her husband and daughter. For a quick pick-me-up, she turns to NingXia Zyng®, and she never leaves home without a bottle of Peppermint.
A collaborative and out-of-the-box thinker, Melissa joined Young Living with an extensive background in finance and accounting. She has 17 years of experience in the direct sales industry, as well as four years of experience working in public accounting for prestigious firms, including both Arthur Andersen LLP and KPMG International.
Before accepting the position of CFO, Melissa spent four years as the head of Young Living’s Global Tax department ensuring that the company remained compliant in all its markets. She received her master of accountancy degree with an emphasis in tax from Brigham Young University and is a certified public accountant. She has also served as a past president of the Utah chapter of the American Women’s Society of CPAs.
Melissa will read anything, from sci-fi to mysteries. She is very musical and can often be found playing piano. She also loves trying new food, scuba diving, working on DIY projects, and traveling with her husband and daughter. For a quick pick-me-up, she turns to NingXia Zyng®, and she never leaves home without a bottle of Peppermint.
Steve Carlile
Chief Marketing and Digital Officer
Steve Carlile is an accomplished executive with more than 20 years of experience, specializing in transforming brands and connecting them with their customers.
Fluent in Japanese, Steve has spent a considerable amount of time in Asia throughout his career, having worked and lived with his family in Tokyo and Singapore with responsibilities spanning the Asia-Pacific region. His international expertise has helped numerous companies succeed globally. Steve's marketing leadership and customer-focused strategies have led to increased revenue and improved brand favorability.
Known for his innovative approach, Steve is a popular keynote speaker who has presented at high-profile marketing and digital experience events around the world. His thought leadership has been recognized in Deloitte Insight's Global Marketing Trends Report, and he has also participated in their Next Generation CMO Academy alongside global marketing luminaries. As a proud Utah native, Steve is honored to serve on the Utah Business Editorial Advisory Board.
Some of Steve's notable career achievements include serving as chief marketing and digital officer at Younique (Lehi, Utah), senior vice president at Isagenix International (Gilbert, Arizona), and chief marketing officer at Solo Stove (Southlake, Texas).
During his time at Nu Skin Enterprises (Singapore; Tokyo, Japan; and Provo, Utah), he held various positions, eventually becoming head of Global Digital Marketing and Customer Experience Management. His accomplishments include successfully launching top-performing products for many companies, leading rebranding efforts, and driving seamless digital experiences.
Steve is a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Summer, have four children. His passions include spending time with his loved ones, staying informed about global developments, and playing sports as often as he can.
Steve Carlile is an accomplished executive with more than 20 years of experience, specializing in transforming brands and connecting them with their customers.
Fluent in Japanese, Steve has spent a considerable amount of time in Asia throughout his career, having worked and lived with his family in Tokyo and Singapore with responsibilities spanning the Asia-Pacific region. His international expertise has helped numerous companies succeed globally. Steve's marketing leadership and customer-focused strategies have led to increased revenue and improved brand favorability.
Known for his innovative approach, Steve is a popular keynote speaker who has presented at high-profile marketing and digital experience events around the world. His thought leadership has been recognized in Deloitte Insight's Global Marketing Trends Report, and he has also participated in their Next Generation CMO Academy alongside global marketing luminaries. As a proud Utah native, Steve is honored to serve on the Utah Business Editorial Advisory Board.
Some of Steve's notable career achievements include serving as chief marketing and digital officer at Younique (Lehi, Utah), senior vice president at Isagenix International (Gilbert, Arizona), and chief marketing officer at Solo Stove (Southlake, Texas).
During his time at Nu Skin Enterprises (Singapore; Tokyo, Japan; and Provo, Utah), he held various positions, eventually becoming head of Global Digital Marketing and Customer Experience Management. His accomplishments include successfully launching top-performing products for many companies, leading rebranding efforts, and driving seamless digital experiences.
Steve is a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Summer, have four children. His passions include spending time with his loved ones, staying informed about global developments, and playing sports as often as he can.
Joe Walker
Executive Vice President, Infrastructure
Joe Walker was born and raised in both Utah and California on a military base and spent his summers in Woodland, Utah, working in his grandparents’ country store and learning the value of hard work. He attended Kearns High School in Salt Lake City and then attended Brigham Young University.
Before joining the corporate world, Joe had the entrepreneurial spirit and owned a successful printer business with sales averaging $500,000 a year. He then continued in the Information Technology field, working for Word Perfect, Novell, Nature’s Way, and now Young Living for nearly 12 years, giving him 28 years of experience in the IT field.
When he is not working, Joe enjoys outdoor activities, riding motorcycles, snowmobiling, and supporting the Utah Jazz.
Joe Walker was born and raised in both Utah and California on a military base and spent his summers in Woodland, Utah, working in his grandparents’ country store and learning the value of hard work. He attended Kearns High School in Salt Lake City and then attended Brigham Young University.
Before joining the corporate world, Joe had the entrepreneurial spirit and owned a successful printer business with sales averaging $500,000 a year. He then continued in the Information Technology field, working for Word Perfect, Novell, Nature’s Way, and now Young Living for nearly 12 years, giving him 28 years of experience in the IT field.
When he is not working, Joe enjoys outdoor activities, riding motorcycles, snowmobiling, and supporting the Utah Jazz.
Brian Baxter
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Brian brings with him 30 years of diverse, global human resources leadership experience in direct sales, high tech, and banking. He’s managed HR teams and projects throughout the world, fulfilling long-term work assignments in Malaysia and Russia. Prior to his time at Young Living, Brian’s professional journey included executive leadership positions at Modere, InVue Security Products, Xango, Intel, and Wells Fargo. He also served as an adjunct professor in Brigham Young University’s Management department and as a member of the board of directors for the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) in Alexandria, Virginia.
Brian holds degrees in liberal arts and history, and a master of public administration degree from the University of Utah. He and his wife, Kristy, are the parents of four children and grandparents to five. When he’s not at work, you might find Brian on the golf course, hiking the Utah mountains, or fishing. He relies on Cedarwood and Stress Away™ as part of his daily routine.
Brian brings with him 30 years of diverse, global human resources leadership experience in direct sales, high tech, and banking. He’s managed HR teams and projects throughout the world, fulfilling long-term work assignments in Malaysia and Russia. Prior to his time at Young Living, Brian’s professional journey included executive leadership positions at Modere, InVue Security Products, Xango, Intel, and Wells Fargo. He also served as an adjunct professor in Brigham Young University’s Management department and as a member of the board of directors for the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) in Alexandria, Virginia.
Brian holds degrees in liberal arts and history, and a master of public administration degree from the University of Utah. He and his wife, Kristy, are the parents of four children and grandparents to five. When he’s not at work, you might find Brian on the golf course, hiking the Utah mountains, or fishing. He relies on Cedarwood and Stress Away™ as part of his daily routine.
Kevin McMurray
General Counsel
As Young Living’s general counsel, Kevin holds 25 years of experience as a lawyer in the direct-selling industry, bringing to Young Living a deep understanding of the direct-selling model and the laws and regulations that impact it. He began his legal career as an assistant staff judge advocate in the United States Air Force and then as a special assistant U.S. attorney.
Over the years he’s served actively in the Lawyers Council and the Government Relations Committee of the U.S. Direct Selling Association (DSA). Kevin is a past president and former member of the board of directors of the Mountain West Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC). He received his Juris Doctor degree from Creighton University School of Law and his LL.M. degree in international business transactions from the McGeorge School of Law (University of the Pacific).
Outside of work, Kevin spends time with his family, reads historical novels, and watches historical movies and documentaries. As an avid hockey fan, he can often be found playing competitive men’s league hockey. His favorite Young Living products include Peace & Calming®, Idaho Grand Fir, Manuka, Ylang Ylang, KidScents® KidPower™, Frankincense, and Helichrysum.
As Young Living’s general counsel, Kevin holds 25 years of experience as a lawyer in the direct-selling industry, bringing to Young Living a deep understanding of the direct-selling model and the laws and regulations that impact it. He began his legal career as an assistant staff judge advocate in the United States Air Force and then as a special assistant U.S. attorney.
Over the years he’s served actively in the Lawyers Council and the Government Relations Committee of the U.S. Direct Selling Association (DSA). Kevin is a past president and former member of the board of directors of the Mountain West Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC). He received his Juris Doctor degree from Creighton University School of Law and his LL.M. degree in international business transactions from the McGeorge School of Law (University of the Pacific).
Outside of work, Kevin spends time with his family, reads historical novels, and watches historical movies and documentaries. As an avid hockey fan, he can often be found playing competitive men’s league hockey. His favorite Young Living products include Peace & Calming®, Idaho Grand Fir, Manuka, Ylang Ylang, KidScents® KidPower™, Frankincense, and Helichrysum.
