Jan E. Newman

Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency

As a young missionary serving in Strasbourg, France, Jan E. Newman had a special spiritual experience that strengthened his testimony and allowed him to feel Heavenly Father’s love. This experience came as he read the prophet Alma’s words in the Book of Mormon about planting the seed of the gospel in our hearts (see Alma 32:28; 33:22–23).

“I read that if you make room for that seed in your heart, it will grow, and you will actually feel these swelling motions,” Brother Newman said. “I remember reading that and the Spirit just testifying to me so strongly that it was true. I felt those swelling motions. I will never forget that as long as I live.”

This and other experiences helped solidify Brother Newman’s testimony of the gospel and prepared him for a lifetime of service as a husband, father, and disciple of Jesus Christ.

Jan Eric Newman was born on April 16, 1960, in Jerome, Idaho, USA, to George Raymond and Dora Walker Newman. He was raised in Overton, Nevada, USA. His father was a convert, and his mother was a multigenerational Latter-day Saint.

He developed a testimony at a young age and served a full-time mission in France and Belgium. Following his mission, Brother Newman earned a bachelor’s degree in French from Brigham Young University. He enjoyed his degree so much that he considered becoming a French teacher but instead chose to pursue a career in the software industry. He worked as a serial entrepreneur for more than 30 years, founding several successful software companies. Currently, he is a partner at SageCreek Partners, a technology consulting company in Alpine, Utah.

Brother Newman married Lucia Price in the Oakland California Temple on August 18, 1984. They are the parents of six children and reside in Elk Ridge, Utah.

Brother Newman has served as a stake president, bishop, ward Young Men president, Scoutmaster, and temple worker. From 2006 to 2009, he served as president of the Nebraska Omaha Mission.