2025 Board of Directors

  • Smiling middle-aged man with glasses, wearing a white collared shirt and a dark sweater, against a light background.

    Jason Swezey

    Executive Director

    Jason has over fifteen years of ministry and recovery program experience. Before joining NOC, he co-founded The Fix Ministry, a discipleship program for men with life-controlling issues, demonstrating the Gospel's transformative power. Now at NOC, Jason is dedicated to sharing Christ's love in the inner city of Richmond, aiming to impact lives as profoundly as his life has changed. Alongside his wife, Jody, and their four children, Jason is committed to serving the overlooked, fostering a community of recovery, faith, and renewal in Northside.

  • Smiling elderly man with white hair and mustache wearing a blue checkered shirt with a name badge.

    Butch Johnson

    Founder / Thrift Store Manager

    Butch founded the Northside Outreach Center in 2004. Highland Park is Butch’s childhood neighborhood, and his compassion for the community fuels his desire to share the love of Jesus with them. Butch is the Manager of the Thrift Store and continues to volunteer with the Men's Mentoring, Food Pantry, and community outreaches.

  • Forrest Nichols

    Board Member

    Forrest and His wife, Diane, have lived in the Richmond area since 1996. They have three grown children and five beloved grandchildren. Forrest became involved with the NOC in 2010 and joined the Board of Directors in 2023. He and Diane regularly volunteer at the food pantry, Christmas Store, and other community outreaches. Together, they enjoy serving the people in Highland Park physically and spiritually. He believes that his fellow board members are passionate followers of Christ focused on reaching the NOC’s goals.

  • A man with glasses, a red beard, and a striped shirt smiling against a light blue background.

    Anthony Witmer

    Board Member

    Anthony, his wife Loisann, and their six children moved to Highland Park in 2022. Before moving to the Richmond area in 2019, they lived in the Bronx in New York City for four years.

    He wants to see the power of Jesus change people's lives and help meet the people's physical needs just as Jesus did. He works as an accounting software support person and programmer.

  • Portrait of a smiling Black woman with long, twisted hair, wearing gold hoop earrings, a delicate gold necklace, and a light pink top with decorative stitches.

    Ariel Cooper

    Board Member

    Aeriel has been a dedicated volunteer at the Northside Outreach Center for many years. Her commitment to serving the community shines through in her consistent support of outreach programs, youth initiatives, and faith-based service projects. Aeriel’s heart for others and passion for making a difference have made her a valued part of the Northside Outreach family.

  • A smiling middle-aged man with a beard and short hair, wearing a dark blue zip-up jacket, against a plain light background.

    Bryon LePere

    Board Member

    Bryon joined the NOC Board in January 2022 and is the Pastor at Gayton Baptist Church. Bryon’s heart is to meet people where they are to love and encourage them towards a redeeming relationship with God. Bryon has a Master Degree of Divinity from Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. Bryon and his wife Anna, have two children in college and are lifelong residents of Richmond.

  • Brittany Valentine

    Board Member/ Thrift Store Assistant Manager

    Brittany has been a dedicated volunteer assistant manager at a nonprofit thrift store for many years, consistently demonstrating her commitment to community service. Her hands-on approach and leadership have significantly contributed to the store's operations and its mission to support local initiatives. She continues to advocate for community engagement and the importance of volunteerism in driving positive change.

  • Smiling man with short beard and short hair standing outdoors in front of trees, wearing a black athletic shirt.

    Marcus Stanley

    Board Member

    Marcus Stanley is a musician, speaker, entrepreneur, and servant. After being shot 8 times, God transformed his heart to minister to those who are hurting, lost, and broken. It is his mission to change the world one soul at a time. 

Community Partners
Logo for G.F.H Insurance Agency, Inc. featuring a stylized red sailboat and text.
Logo for The Honey Baked Ham Company, established in 1957, with red and brown text.

West End Assembly of God