2025 Board of Directors
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
West End Assembly of God