News Release

First Presidency Announces New Primary General Presidency

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a new Primary general presidency during the Saturday afternoon session of the faith’s 186th annual general conference April 2, 2016.

Joy D. Jones, Jean B. Bingham and Bonnie H. Cordon will serve in the new Primary presidency. The Primary presidency oversees the teaching of children ages 18 months to 11 years the gospel of Jesus Christ and helps them live its principles. These leaders serve under the direction of the First Presidency and travel frequently to help guide and support the children and their local leaders.

Primary General President: Joy D. Jones

Sister Jones was beginning her sixth year of service on the Church’s Primary general board at the time of this call. She has also served in several assignments in her local congregation, including work as Relief Society president and time in the Young Women and Primary organizations. Sister Jones was born and raised in Oregon and married Robert B. Jones while attending Brigham Young University, where she received a degree in home and family sciences. She and Robert have five children and 13 grandchildren.

Primary Presidency First Counselor: Jean B. Bingham

Sister Bingham was also in her sixth year of service on the Primary general board at the time of this call. Her previous Church assignments include service in her local ward Young Women and Primary organizations, as well as time as a seminary teacher. She is a native of Provo, Utah, and received a master's degree in education from BYU. Sister Bingham and her husband, Bruce, are parents of two daughters.

Primary Presidency Second Counselor: Bonnie H. Cordon

Sister Cordon served with her husband, Derek, in the Brazil Curitiba Mission from 2010 to 2013 when he was the mission president. She was a full-time missionary in the Portugal Lisbon Mission from 1982 to 1983 and is fluent in Portuguese. She has also served in the Young Women, Relief Society and Primary organizations of her local congregation. Sister Cordon was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and received a bachelor’s degree in education from BYU. She and Derek have four children—three boys and one girl.

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