Tim Yarbrough

YarbroughTim Yarbrough has served as editor of the Arkansas Baptist News (ABN) since January 2011. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and advertising from Murray (Ky.) State University, and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Prior to coming to the ABN, Yarbrough was director of church relations and Acts 1:8 Challenge coordinator at the North American Mission Board (2002-2010) and director of communications at the Missouri Baptist Convention (1995-2002).

Yarbrough has led or participated in dozens of mission trips to more than 10 countries and was a member of the team that organized the first World Changers mission projects for Southern Baptist students in 1990. He began denominational ministry in 1989 when he joined the staff of the Southern Baptist Brotherhood Commission after eight years in secular journalism. He is an accredited public relations practitioner with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and past president of the Baptist Communicators Association (BCA).

Yarbrough and his wife, Pamela, have two children.

Contact Tim Yarbrough at tim@arkansasbaptist.org

Follow Tim on Twitter at @tyarbrough

Lisa Watson

WatsonLisa Watson has served on the staff of the Arkansas Baptist News (ABN) since December 2002. She has been associate editor since January 2010. She also served as ABN assistant editor from May 2008-January 2010 and ABN assistant to the editor from December 2002-May 2008. She has a bachelor’s degree in music from University of Arkansas at Monticello, and a master’s degree in Christian education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

Prior to coming to the ABN, Watson was a missionary music evangelist to Poland with the International Mission Board (2000-2002) and a ministry assistant with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (1999-2000).

Watson is a volunteer keyboardist at Friendship Baptist Church and has been a member of Baptist Communicators Association since 2003. Additionally, Watson works as a freelance graphic designer and editor.

Contact Lisa Watson at lisa@arkansasbaptist.org

Jessica Vanderpool

VanderpoolJessica Vanderpool is a 2009 graduate of Union University in Jackson, Tenn., where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and psychology with a minor in Spanish. She began serving as assistant editor/office manager at the Arkansas Baptist News in January 2010.

Prior to serving at the Arkansas Baptist News, Jessica held an internship at the Stephenville Empire-Tribune in Stephenville, Texas, where she grew up with her parents and younger brother. She now lives in Little Rock.

Jessica has traveled for school, missions and vacation to more than 10 countries. In her free time, Jessica enjoys writing, being artistic, talking with friends and watching TV.

Hook ‘em horns!

Contact Jessica at jessica@arkansasbaptist.org

Becky Hardwick

Becky Hardwick has been with the ABN for 20 years as business manager. She is an active member of Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock. She serves on various committees, sings in the choir and teaches a ladies Sunday School class. She is married to John Hardwick, has two daughters and two amazing grandchildren. 

Contact Becky at becky@arkansasbaptist.org

Nelle O'Bryan

Nelle has sold advertising space for different types of publications for more than 25 years. She worked  in ad sales for the Arkansas Baptist News from 1992-2001, but after moving to Hot Springs, retired for nine years, then returned to her old position at ABN two years ago. 

Nelle grew up and in Pine Bluff, is married to her high school sweetheart Gordon. They have four sons and lots of grandchildren and greatgrandchildren which are a real blessing to have near them.

Nelle has served in WMU, both in her church & associational positions, she has been on six mission trips to Romania and one to Rome. One of the highlights of her life was the 29 years she worked with the ESL program at Friendship Internationalin Little Rock and Hot Springs.

Contact Nelle at nelle@arkansasbaptist.org