Marie Mainard O’Connell, has accepted an offer from the Board of the Little Rock YAV site to serve as their Coordinator effective immediately.  YAV stands for Young Adult Volunteer program of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Little Rock is one of the 17 sites in the U.S. where young adults can spend a year immersed in service, vocational discernment, simple living, and social justice engagement.

A graduate of New Brunswick Theological Seminary, for the past three years Marie served as pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Little Rock.  She brings a passion for social justice, experience in working with young adults, and an articulate theological voice to the program.  “Our Board feels that Marie is a perfect match for this important and growing ministry to young adults,” said Board Chair David Gill.  The Little Rock YAV program is housed at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center and is a collaborative program between Second Presbyterian Church, Ferncliff, and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.