BOARD MEMBERS
Tom Sweeney
Alex Johnson
Nick Wallsteadt
CJ Barkema
Phil Dineen
Dan McNeely
Steve Strickler
Executive Director
Board President
Board Vice-President
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Tom Sweeney
Executive Director
As the new Executive Director of Hope Creek Charitable Foundation, which operates the Mill Creek Food Bank, I bring over three decades of dedicated service in community development and non-profit leadership. My journey began as a Teacher in Pomona, California, eventually leading to roles such as Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, and Principal at Pomona Unified School District. Most notably, I co-founded and led Gods-Pantry.org for a decade, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting working poor families with school-age children. This experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of community needs and a passion for creating impactful programs and services.
My hope is to continue the good work that is already being done at Hope Creek, building on the solid foundation that has been established. I am committed to working closely with the community to demonstrate our care and support. Once people see how much we care, they will feel connected, and once they feel cared for and connected, they will truly feel like they are part of a community. I look forward to fostering these connections and enhancing the well-being of our community.
Alex Johnson
Board President
Alex Johnson serves as the Executive Pastor of Gold Creek Community Church and President of the board of Hope Creek Charitable Foundation. He works with the Director to oversee the programs and operations of Hope Creek, as well as with the board members to help support the continuation and growth of the organization. His background includes a degree in hospitality/management from WSU and sales in corporate banking, until he followed the call to ministry as a Family Ministry pastor in 2009. Alex now serves in a leadership role as the Executive Pastor over several areas at Gold Creek. Raised in Woodinville, he currently resides there with his wife and two children as they near the empty-nest stage.
Nick Wallsteadt
Board Vice-President
In May of 2022, Nick Wallsteadt joined the community, as pastor of Gold Creek Community Church. He and his wife Krissa and their two sons, David (5) and Jonah (1), are excited to be back home in the PNW. You'll likely find Nick eating a carnivorous diet, practicing some novice jiu jitsu, or chugging ridiculous amounts of water on the daily.
CJ Barkema
Board Member
CJ Barkema is a former Gold Creek Community Church 4th and 5th grade Bridge Pastor. He currently serves as a Hope Creek Charitable Foundation board member, looking to continue to build strong foundations for our programs. Before God called him to ministry, he spent 15 years in various roles of sales, management, and service at national wealth management companies. When not in the church or out on the back lot, he is often found at a local field or gym watching his two teenage daughters play sports. CJ and his wife Sarah have been volunteers and supporters of the food bank since they moved here in 2018. If there is a rare chance for a day, CJ enjoys it in the backcountry, splitboarding, and mountaineering.
Phil Dineen
Board Member
Phil has lived in the Mill Creek community for 25 years. He and his wife have raised their three children in the community. Over these years he has witnessed and experienced significant changes in the area, specifically with the increasing needs of the people. These increasing needs in the community is why he joined Hope Creek. 30 years ago, Phil founded and still runs a small telecommunications business. He has also been a member of Gold Creek Community Church for the past 12 years. He helps Hope Creek by providing strategic overview to assure it continues to meet the needs of the community. In his spare time, he likes to golf, hike, and travel.
Dan McNeely
Board Member
Hello, my name is Dan McNeely and along with my wife Sue we own North Creek Roofing. We have lived in the greater Mill Creek area for all of our married life (46 Years). We have attended Gold Creek for the last 8 years. Our involvement with Hope Creek began during the pandemic. Seeing that there was a need, we began our involvement.
Steve Strickler
Board Member
Steve is a retired Director of Juvenile Justice and Prison Ministry from Gold Creek Church.