ATLANTA--John McLaughlin, a member of the Serra Club of Metro Atlanta, is the new president-elect of Serra International, an organization of lay men and women working to promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

A member of Holy Spirit Parish in Atlanta, McLaughlin was elected at the international convention held July 3 to 5 in Genoa, Italy. In this role he will work closely with the international staff, national councils and local clubs and assist the current president, Eric Shelly, as needed.

McLaughlin has twice served as president of the Serra Club of Metro Atlanta and completed a two-year term as international trustee in 1994. He also is a Knight Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.

There are more than 20,000 Serrans in 604 clubs in 36 countries of the world.