Staff + Board
Nothing about us, without us.
MARCO is a peer-run organization. The majority of our Board of Directors and staff members self-identify as people in personal recovery from their own substance use disorders. Others include family members of persons impacted by substance use disorders and recovery, allies, or persons with co-occurring mental health disorders. Additionally, MARCO is led and governed by individuals with direct experience in Recovery Community Organization (RCO) development, leadership, management and programs.
MARCO STAFF
Wendy Jones
Executive Director
Wendy is a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder and a co-founder of MARCO. From 2018 to 2023 she was Executive Director of Minnesota Recovery Connection (MRC), the state’s first Recovery Community Organization (established in 2007), where she helped to expand MRC’s programs and infrastructure and advocate for the development of peer-led, community-based recovery support services across Minnesota. She joined Minnesota Recovery Connection after a long career with the Minnesota Historical Society, where she was the Director of Education. Wendy has a Master of Public Affairs degree from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, is a former Humphrey Policy Fellow, and is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction.
Jennifer O'Byrne
Program manager
Jen is a program manager committed to community care, education, storytelling, events, and mission-driven outreach with a career spanning education, public media, and arts spaces. During her 8 years at TPT – Twin Cities PBS she produced hundreds of public, private, and virtual events; designed professional development and education event curriculum; and facilitated formal and informal learning spaces for educators, administrators, children, parents, leaders, and community members. Jen was a Special Education teacher in NYC and MN for 7 years. Previously, she also produced corporate events and worked in professional theater as an IATSE wardrobe supervisor and AEA Stage Manager for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and touring productions. Jen holds a Master of Science in Special Education from Long Island University and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and English from Hamline University.
Whitney Nelson
community relations manager
Whitney is the new Community Relations Manager of MARCO. As a person in long-term recovery, she has been involved in multiple projects for the LGBTQ+ and Recovery community. Recognizing that Pride is often inextricably linked with alcohol and gay bars have long been a staple of queer gathering, she set out to provide alternatives for the community. As a part of the solution, she created and organized a Sober Experiences Awesome event at Pride in 2023, and is launching an alcohol-free beer called, “Ostri(chi)zed,” for Pride in 2024. Most recently, Whitney completed her Peer Recovery Specialist training and her Certification as a Digital Marketing Specialist from the University of Minnesota. She holds a Business Management degree from the University of St. Thomas, and is currently a participant in the Community Entrepreneurship Program at the university.
