O'Neil Named Director of Youth Services
By: Gary Hollander, Ph.D. - Posted on: 12/16/2005

On December 15, 2005 the Board of Directors of Diverse and Resilient unanimously promoted Mark O’Neil to the position of Director of Youth Services. The newly created position acknowledges “his solid performance as a leader,” stated Leonard Sobczak, the organization’s treasurer. Board Secretary Kathleen Murphy also expressed her confidence that he “allows us to set our sights high.” Board member Dr. Diane Pollard observed that the agency greatly benefits from his competence. Mark will continue to supervise program interns and summer interns in the agency.

Mark O’Neil came to Diverse and Resilient in June 2003 as its first Program Coordinator. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, Mark had earlier devoted five years with GALAXY, an award winning and widely recognized leader in LGBT youth development in La Crosse. In 2004, Mark was promoted to Program Manager. During the past two years he has taken increasing responsibility for the overall direction of the capacity building efforts of the organization as these relate to LGBT youth. He is the lead staff person on several programmatic grants and contracts.

Earlier this year, Mark was co-director of the signature youth event for Diverse and Resilient – the Wisconsin Youth HIV Prevention Institute. The Youth Advisory Committee also works closely with Mark and the agency’s current program intern, Mario Aguirre-Villa.

Mark’s new position parallels that of Brenda Coley, the organization’s Director of Adult Services.