wfn.org | Former church youth leader nominated to head UMYO

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

Feb. 20, 2002  News media contact: Tim Tanton7(615)742-54707Nashville, Tenn.
10-71B{063}

MESA, Ariz. (UMNS) - The former leader of a well-known church youth program
has been nominated to serve as executive director of the United Methodist
Youth Organization.

Ronna Seibert, 42, of Nashville, Tenn., was nominated at the Feb. 15-18
meeting of the organization's steering committee in Mesa. Her nomination
goes to the United Methodist Board of Discipleship for approval in March. 

"I'm really excited personally about Ronna Seibert and what she brings to
our organization," said Meredith Humphrey, steering committee chairperson.
Seibert has done a lot of work with youth in the church and knows the
organization, she said.

"I'm just wowed at the strengths and dedication of these young people and
their talents and gifts," Seibert said. "I just hope I can keep up with
them." 

Between 1996 and 2000, Seibert directed children and youth ministries at
Hobson United Methodist Church in Nashville. She oversaw Youth Empowered for
Service, Survival and Self-esteem, a program that has become known across
the denomination. She developed a free after-school program for neighborhood
children and youth, oversaw tutoring, teen and summer programs, and
coordinated Vacation Bible School.

Seibert said she has "very much a sense of returning to the roots" with her
move to the youth organization, where she began her career as program staff
in 1981. From there, she went on to work in other ministries, serving as a
consultant for the Board of Discipleship; manager for a "Children of War"
tour involving young people from violence-torn areas; and executive
assistant at the Oasis Center in Nashville, which provides counseling,
employment services and other support to young people in need.

A native of Carbondale, Ill., Seibert has a bachelor's degree in social work
from Illinois State University and a master's in social work from the
University of Tennessee.
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United Methodist News Service
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