Church Announces New Primary General Presidency, Including First President from Africa

Rosemary K. Chibota, a church employee of Malawian origin raised in Zimbabwe, will lead the Primary organization starting August 1, 2026.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 9:05pm

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a new Primary general presidency, including the first president from Africa. Rosemary K. Chibota, a 58-year-old church employee of Malawian origin who was raised in Zimbabwe, will serve as the new Primary general president, effective August 1, 2026. She will be joined by Sister Nina M. Garfield as first counselor and Sister Theresa A. Collins as second counselor.

Why it matters

The Primary organization is responsible for teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to children ages 18 months to 11 years, helping them build their faith. The appointment of the first African president to lead this organization is a historic milestone for the church, reflecting its growing global diversity and commitment to serving children and families worldwide.

The details

President Chibota currently works as a human resources generalist and previously served as a senior executive assistant in the Quorum of the Seventy office. She holds master's and bachelor's degrees and has a background in church service, including roles as a Sunday School teacher, Primary teacher, and seminary teacher. She and her husband, Joel, recently served as mission leaders in the Alabama Birmingham Mission from 2022 to 2025.

  • The new Primary general presidency will begin service on August 1, 2026.
  • The outgoing presidency of President Susan H. Porter and Sisters Amy A. Wright and Tracy Y. Browning will be replaced.

The players

Rosemary K. Chibota

The new president of the Primary general presidency, a 58-year-old church employee of Malawian origin who was raised in Zimbabwe and now resides in South Jordan, Utah.

Nina M. Garfield

The new first counselor in the Primary general presidency, a 67-year-old homemaker born in Japan to a Japanese mother and American father, who lives in Orem, Utah.

Theresa A. Collins

The new second counselor in the Primary general presidency, a 64-year-old homemaker who studied special education at Utah State University and lives in Draper, Utah.

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What they’re saying

“For the first time in history, an African will lead a general presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

— D. Todd Christofferson, Apostle

What’s next

The new Primary general presidency will begin their service on August 1, 2026, replacing the outgoing presidency.

The takeaway

The appointment of Rosemary K. Chibota, the first African to lead a general presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, represents the church's growing global diversity and commitment to serving children and families worldwide through the vital work of the Primary organization.