Leadership & Staff
Pastoral Staff
Dr. Mike Garrett
Senior Pastor
mike@firstprez.com
Mike came to FPC in 2015 to serve as an Interim Pastor after a long ministry in Atlanta, Ga. In 2017 he was called by the congregation to the office of Pastor. He was ordained to the ministry in the Presbyterian Church in 1987. Mike has degrees from James Madison University, Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, and Columbia Theological Seminary.
He is married to Marcia and they have two married adult children and two grand daughters that are a joy! Mike likes to swim, kayak, and get away to the beach whenever possible. He loves pastoring this historic congregation and helping guide it to a faithful future of loving and serving Jesus Christ.
mike@firstprez.com
Mike came to FPC in 2015 to serve as an Interim Pastor after a long ministry in Atlanta, Ga. In 2017 he was called by the congregation to the office of Pastor. He was ordained to the ministry in the Presbyterian Church in 1987. Mike has degrees from James Madison University, Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, and Columbia Theological Seminary.
He is married to Marcia and they have two married adult children and two grand daughters that are a joy! Mike likes to swim, kayak, and get away to the beach whenever possible. He loves pastoring this historic congregation and helping guide it to a faithful future of loving and serving Jesus Christ.
Rev Jeff Shaver
Associate Pastor
jeff@firstprez.com
Jeff’s journey into ministry began straight out of high school when he became a worship leader for various youth and college ministries, attempting to sing and fumble his way through a limited number of guitar chords. While his initial plan was to become a high school history teacher, it didn’t take long for Jeff to realize that his true heart was in ministry. After graduating from Reformed Theological Seminary in 2014, he began juggling various ministerial roles – everything from being a youth minister and pastoral assistant to diving headfirst into the complex world of revitalization and church planting.
In 2019, Jeff was hired by the Presbytery of Transylvania as a “Mission Developer,” which eventually brought Urban Village to life – a faith-based activity center designed to bring a bit of joy to families facing economic challenges. On the home front, Jeff’s partner in adventure, Hannah, and he tied the knot in August 2022. They both enjoy spending time with their three extremely hyperactive pups: Duke (a Labrador), Dojo (a Shiba mix), and Pickle (a Chihuahua that they rescued).
jeff@firstprez.com
Jeff’s journey into ministry began straight out of high school when he became a worship leader for various youth and college ministries, attempting to sing and fumble his way through a limited number of guitar chords. While his initial plan was to become a high school history teacher, it didn’t take long for Jeff to realize that his true heart was in ministry. After graduating from Reformed Theological Seminary in 2014, he began juggling various ministerial roles – everything from being a youth minister and pastoral assistant to diving headfirst into the complex world of revitalization and church planting.
In 2019, Jeff was hired by the Presbytery of Transylvania as a “Mission Developer,” which eventually brought Urban Village to life – a faith-based activity center designed to bring a bit of joy to families facing economic challenges. On the home front, Jeff’s partner in adventure, Hannah, and he tied the knot in August 2022. They both enjoy spending time with their three extremely hyperactive pups: Duke (a Labrador), Dojo (a Shiba mix), and Pickle (a Chihuahua that they rescued).
Rev. Mitch Watson
Director of Pastoral Care
mitch@firstprez.com
Pastor Mitch was raised in the hills of western NC (Hudson). He graduated from Campbell University with B.A, earned an M. DIV., and achieved 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Pastor Mitch has ministered at many NC churches. He has been married 29+ years to his beautiful bride, Donna (Bass). They have 2 spoiled cats Fluffy & Leah. He enjoys beekeeping & running up to 26.2 mile road races.
mitch@firstprez.com
Pastor Mitch was raised in the hills of western NC (Hudson). He graduated from Campbell University with B.A, earned an M. DIV., and achieved 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Pastor Mitch has ministered at many NC churches. He has been married 29+ years to his beautiful bride, Donna (Bass). They have 2 spoiled cats Fluffy & Leah. He enjoys beekeeping & running up to 26.2 mile road races.
Program & Support Staff
Dr. Marcia Mervin
Director of Music Ministry & Organist
marcia@firstprez.com
Marcia became the Director of Music Ministry at FPC in 2012. She has served the Lord in church music since 1975, when she took her first organist position while still in high school. Since that first church in Michigan, she has served in various churches where the Lord has led: from Pennsylvania to Georgia, Oregon to The Netherlands, and Michigan to North Carolina.
Marcia directs FPC’s adult choirs, children’s choir, handbell groups and church orchestra in addition to accompanying the worship services on the organ. In addition to making music at the church, she has toured with members of the Celebration Choir to Carnegie Hall (2013,2017,2022) and Italy (2019) as they joined in singing with mass choirs.
Marcia earned a BA (music/philosophy/religion) from Spring Arbor University and graduate degrees (MM, DMA) in Church Music (organ performance) from the University of Michigan School of Music. She is married to Rev. Marvin Mervin, who is currently serving as pastor at Faison Presbyterian Church. Between them, they have 5 adult children and 7 grandchildren.
marcia@firstprez.com
Marcia became the Director of Music Ministry at FPC in 2012. She has served the Lord in church music since 1975, when she took her first organist position while still in high school. Since that first church in Michigan, she has served in various churches where the Lord has led: from Pennsylvania to Georgia, Oregon to The Netherlands, and Michigan to North Carolina.
Marcia directs FPC’s adult choirs, children’s choir, handbell groups and church orchestra in addition to accompanying the worship services on the organ. In addition to making music at the church, she has toured with members of the Celebration Choir to Carnegie Hall (2013,2017,2022) and Italy (2019) as they joined in singing with mass choirs.
Marcia earned a BA (music/philosophy/religion) from Spring Arbor University and graduate degrees (MM, DMA) in Church Music (organ performance) from the University of Michigan School of Music. She is married to Rev. Marvin Mervin, who is currently serving as pastor at Faison Presbyterian Church. Between them, they have 5 adult children and 7 grandchildren.
Britany Spivey
Director of Christian Education & Children’s Ministry
britany@firstprez.com
Britany Spivey joined the First Presbyterian Church’s staff in 2013 as the Director of Children’s Ministry. In 2020, Britany completed the Certified Christian Educator process offered through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and now oversees our congregation’s Christian educational programs as the Director of Christian Education. Britany graduated from Belmont Abby College with a major in Business Management and a Master's in Education from Emory & Henry College. Combining the skill set these two fields bring; she helps our church family grow as disciples by building a strong foundation of faith. Britany is a North Carolina native who enjoys basketball and lacrosse, the outdoors, TV, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
britany@firstprez.com
Britany Spivey joined the First Presbyterian Church’s staff in 2013 as the Director of Children’s Ministry. In 2020, Britany completed the Certified Christian Educator process offered through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and now oversees our congregation’s Christian educational programs as the Director of Christian Education. Britany graduated from Belmont Abby College with a major in Business Management and a Master's in Education from Emory & Henry College. Combining the skill set these two fields bring; she helps our church family grow as disciples by building a strong foundation of faith. Britany is a North Carolina native who enjoys basketball and lacrosse, the outdoors, TV, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Jess Jones
Director of Youth Ministry
youth@firstprez.com
Jess Jones originally joined the First Presbyterian Church staff in 2023, as the Christian Education Assistant. In August 2024, she accepted the role of Director of Youth Ministry. Before coming to First Presbyterian she worked as a private nanny and tutor for 12 years. Jess has a degree from Liberty University in Education with an emphasis in Special Education. She is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science and a certification in Youth Discipleship. Jess enjoys dance, reading, and spending time outdoors with her husband and their pets.
youth@firstprez.com
Jess Jones originally joined the First Presbyterian Church staff in 2023, as the Christian Education Assistant. In August 2024, she accepted the role of Director of Youth Ministry. Before coming to First Presbyterian she worked as a private nanny and tutor for 12 years. Jess has a degree from Liberty University in Education with an emphasis in Special Education. She is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science and a certification in Youth Discipleship. Jess enjoys dance, reading, and spending time outdoors with her husband and their pets.
Britni Nichol
Director of First School
firstschool@firstprez.com
Britni was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest near Portland, Oregon. She attended college in Idaho and did a brief internship with Walt Disney World. They are a military family who moved to Fayetteville nine and a half years ago. Britni has really grown to love this area and considers it home. Britni and her husband have four children. They have two boys and two girls, ages 12, 11, 8 and 6. They keep the family busy with after school activities like gymnastics and baseball. They like to stay active and enjoy being together.
firstschool@firstprez.com
Britni was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest near Portland, Oregon. She attended college in Idaho and did a brief internship with Walt Disney World. They are a military family who moved to Fayetteville nine and a half years ago. Britni has really grown to love this area and considers it home. Britni and her husband have four children. They have two boys and two girls, ages 12, 11, 8 and 6. They keep the family busy with after school activities like gymnastics and baseball. They like to stay active and enjoy being together.
Nichole Russ
Director of Communications
nichole@firstprez.com
Nichole is a Fayetteville native. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services Management and Master’s in Business and Marketing. Nichole has over 25 years of experience in graphic design and marketing. Nichole lives in Fayetteville with her family. Together, they love to stay busy: roller skating, jumping on the trampoline, swimming, doing crafts together, and tending to their miniature zoo of pets.
nichole@firstprez.com
Nichole is a Fayetteville native. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services Management and Master’s in Business and Marketing. Nichole has over 25 years of experience in graphic design and marketing. Nichole lives in Fayetteville with her family. Together, they love to stay busy: roller skating, jumping on the trampoline, swimming, doing crafts together, and tending to their miniature zoo of pets.
Nina McLaughlin
Veronica
Office Manager
officemgr@firstprez.com
officemgr@firstprez.com
Wanda Ussery
Nursery Director
wanda@firstprez.com
Wanda has taught for over 26 years for NC Public Schools. She is now serving as the K-2 Curriculum Coordinator for Hoke County Schools. Wanda has taught in both Hoke and Cumberland County Schools. She has two beautiful grandsons, Stevie and JoVanni. She also has another grandson on the way! Wanda’s son Stephen and his wife Desiree live in Nutley, New Jersey. She loves to visit them as often as she can. Wanda says that she has been honored to serve as the nursery supervisor at First Presbyterian over 25 years. She loves her church family very much! She also enjoys reading, crafts, and playing with her Labrador, Ace!
wanda@firstprez.com
Wanda has taught for over 26 years for NC Public Schools. She is now serving as the K-2 Curriculum Coordinator for Hoke County Schools. Wanda has taught in both Hoke and Cumberland County Schools. She has two beautiful grandsons, Stevie and JoVanni. She also has another grandson on the way! Wanda’s son Stephen and his wife Desiree live in Nutley, New Jersey. She loves to visit them as often as she can. Wanda says that she has been honored to serve as the nursery supervisor at First Presbyterian over 25 years. She loves her church family very much! She also enjoys reading, crafts, and playing with her Labrador, Ace!