A significant and historic shift is underway within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as a new global Primary General Presidency has been announced. This change includes the groundbreaking appointment of Rosemary K. Chibota, who will become the first African to serve as president of any of the Utah-based faith’s general organizations. This pivotal moment underscores the Church’s expanding global diversity and its commitment to nurturing the spiritual development of children worldwide. The incoming presidency, also featuring Nina M. Garfield and Theresa A. Collins as counselors, is set to begin its service on August 1, 2026.
A New Era for Global Children’s Leadership
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to reflect its growing international membership through its leadership callings. The 196th Annual General Conference, held in Salt Lake City, Utah, marked a momentous occasion with the announcement of these new leaders by President D. Todd Christofferson of the First Presidency. This leadership transition highlights both continuity in the Church’s mission and a meaningful step toward more diverse representation at its highest levels.
Rosemary K. Chibota: A Historic Calling
Rosemary K. Chibota, a 58-year-old Malawian who grew up in Zimbabwe, is poised to make history as the new Primary General President. Her appointment is a testament to her extensive dedication and experience within the Church, as well as the increasing global reach of the faith. Sister Chibota’s background brings a rich international perspective to a role that oversees the spiritual education of millions of children across diverse cultures.
Currently residing in South Jordan, Utah, Sister Chibota possesses robust professional and academic credentials. She holds a master’s degree in management and leadership from Western Governors University and a bachelor of science degree in information technology from Colorado Technical University. Professionally, she serves as a human resources generalist for the Church, having previously held a key position as a senior executive assistant in the Quorum of the Seventy office.
Sister Chibota’s Church service is both broad and deep, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her past callings include serving as a Sunday School teacher, a stake mission preparation instructor alongside her husband, Joel, a ward activities chair, and holding various positions within ward Relief Society and Primary presidencies. She has also taught seminary and served as a district Young Women president and a branch Young Women president. From 2022 to 2025, she and her husband led the Alabama Birmingham Mission, providing invaluable experience in global administration and youth development. The couple shares one child.
The Vital Mission of the Primary Organization
The Primary organization is a foundational program within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated to children aged 18 months to 11 years. Its core mission is profoundly simple yet far-reaching: to teach children the gospel of Jesus Christ and help them build and strengthen their faith from a young age. This vital instruction aims to create a strong spiritual foundation that will guide them throughout their lives.
The Primary General Presidency, in turn, is tasked with overseeing and supporting this critical work globally. Their responsibilities are comprehensive, requiring active efforts to strengthen children and families across the entire Church. This includes traveling worldwide to meet with and teach Primary leaders and children, as well as counseling with other general and local Church leaders to ensure effective support and guidance for young members and their families. Their leadership is crucial in shaping the faith journey of the Church’s youngest members.
Meet the Diverse Primary General Presidency
Flanking President Chibota, the new presidency is completed by two accomplished women, each bringing unique backgrounds and extensive service to their roles. Their combined experiences will undoubtedly enrich the global Primary organization and its mission.
Nina M. Garfield: First Counselor
Nina M. Garfield, who will serve as First Counselor, is a 67-year-old convert to the Church. She brings a diverse cultural heritage, being half-Japanese and born in Japan. Her journey of faith began during high school when she joined the Church. She later pursued her education at church-owned Brigham Young University. Sister Garfield is a widow and, with her deceased husband, David, is the parent of five children. Her commitment to global service is further underscored by her time as a mission leader, serving alongside her husband.
Theresa A. Collins: Second Counselor
Serving as Second Counselor is Theresa A. Collins, 64, a dedicated homemaker and mother of four children with her husband, Richard. Sister Collins pursued her education at Utah State University, where she studied special education. Her experience also includes significant ecclesiastical service. She and her husband, Richard, contributed to the Church’s global missionary efforts by serving as mission leaders in the Arkansas Bentonville Mission from 2021 to 2024. This role provided them with invaluable insights into the needs of Church members and communities in diverse settings.
A Legacy of Global Service and Diverse Perspectives
The new Primary General Presidency represents a rich tapestry of experiences, cultures, and dedicated service. The collective backgrounds of President Chibota, Sister Garfield, and Sister Collins provide a powerful example of the global nature of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their combined experiences as mission leaders underscore their deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs of members across different cultures and continents.
This diverse leadership team is uniquely positioned to connect with the millions of Latter-day Saint children globally. Their varied perspectives—from African roots and a convert’s journey to a background in special education and extensive mission leadership—will undoubtedly bring fresh insights and empathy to their crucial role. This strategic choice reflects a Church increasingly focused on leadership that mirrors its worldwide membership, ensuring that the Primary organization remains responsive and relevant to children everywhere.
Strengthening Faith in a Global Church
The announcement of the new LDS Primary leadership at General Conference marks a significant moment for the global Church. The incoming presidency will build upon the strong foundation laid by their predecessors. The outgoing trio of leaders, President Susan H. Porter and her counselors, Amy Wright and Tracy Y. Browning, have championed initiatives focused on service and children’s engagement, which will undoubtedly continue to inspire the new leaders. This transition ensures continuity in the vital work of strengthening children’s faith.
This historic appointment of the first African president highlights the Church’s accelerating growth in regions like Africa, where membership continues to flourish. It signals a move towards leadership that is increasingly representative of the global community of Latter-day Saints. For children around the world, seeing leaders from diverse backgrounds offers powerful examples of faith and service, reinforcing the universal message of the gospel. The focus remains steadfast on providing a loving and nurturing environment for children to learn about Jesus Christ and develop their testimonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rosemary K. Chibota and what is the significance of her new role?
Rosemary K. Chibota is a 58-year-old Malawian, raised in Zimbabwe, who has been called as the new Primary General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her appointment is historic because she is the first African to serve as president of any of the faith’s general organizations. This significant choice reflects the Church’s continued global expansion and increasing diversity, bringing a unique international perspective to lead the Primary organization for millions of children worldwide. She begins her service on August 1, 2026.
What is the global scope and purpose of the Church’s Primary organization?
The Primary organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serves children aged 18 months to 11 years globally. Its fundamental purpose is to teach children the gospel of Jesus Christ and help them strengthen their faith in Him. The Primary General Presidency oversees this vital work across the world, supporting and strengthening children and families, meeting with local leaders, and providing guidance to ensure that children everywhere receive foundational spiritual instruction.
What qualifications and experience do the new Primary General Presidency members bring to their global leadership roles?
The new presidency brings a wealth of diverse experience. President Rosemary K. Chibota holds a master’s degree, has professional experience in human resources for the Church, and extensive Church service, including a three-year term as a mission leader. First Counselor Nina M. Garfield is a convert, half-Japanese, and also served as a mission leader with her late husband. Second Counselor Theresa A. Collins studied special education and similarly served as a mission leader with her husband. Their combined backgrounds offer rich cultural insights, deep understanding of Church administration, and practical experience in guiding members globally.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Latter-day Saint Children
The calling of Rosemary K. Chibota as the First African Primary President marks a truly historic moment for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Alongside Nina M. Garfield and Theresa A. Collins, this new LDS Primary leadership embodies the Church’s global vision and its dedication to providing diverse, experienced, and spiritually grounded guidance for its children. Their combined backgrounds and extensive service promise a future where millions of Latter-day Saint children worldwide will continue to be nurtured in their faith, supported in their families, and inspired by leaders who reflect the Church’s expansive and vibrant global community.
