Sister Lisa L. Harkness served as first counselor in the Primary general presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2018 to 2021. She also served on the Primary general board from September 2017 to March 2018.
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She was born in Los Angeles, California, to Ronald and LaRae Long, the oldest of five children.
Sister Harkness earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and secondary teaching, as well as a minor in Spanish, from Brigham Young University. While attending BYU, she worked as a docent at the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum teaching children of all ages.
She met her husband, David, while they were students at BYU. They were married in April 1988 in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of five children and have two grandchildren.
Sister Harkness enjoyed her roles as a mother and grandmother, including her time as a stay-at-home mom. While her children were in school, she was involved in church and community service, including volunteer work in the PTA and school community councils. She also worked as a volunteer for the Utah Symphony and the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival.
Sister Harkness has served in many positions in the Church, including stake Young Women president, Relief Society president and Gospel Doctrine teacher. She served a full-time mission in the Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission, where she taught in Spanish.
Sister Harkness enjoys spending time with her family, meeting new people and exploring the world around her. Her interests also include golf, hiking and family history.