The Rev. Elaine Puckett was appointed interim pastor of Oconee Street UMC in June 2019.

Puckett has been a United Methodist Church clergy member for more than 30 years, serving appointments both inside and outside of the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. She earned her degree from the Candler School of Theology, where she was a Woodruff Scholar and later taught in an adjunct capacity. She has also worked as a consultant with the Betty Ford Center and as coordinator of the Sam Nunn / Nations Bank public policy forum at Emory University.

Puckett is married to Richard, a retired UMC elder pastor. Together, the Pucketts have three children and nine grandchildren. They live in Norcross, where Elaine serves on the City Council.

Puckett’s interim appointment ended in June 2020. During her time at Oconee Street, Puckett was influential in helping the church shift to a leadership council model, as well delivering services online during the COVID-19 pandemic.