Pastoral Staff
Dr. Mike Garrett
Senior Pastor
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’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
Pastor Mitch was raised in the hills of western NC (Hudson). Graduated from Campbell University with B.A, earned an M. DIV., achieved 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Ministered at many NC churches. 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
Dr. Mervin began studying music at the age of 4, taking piano and then organ lessons during middle school and high school with Dr. Roberta Bitgood. She is a graduate of Spring Arbor University (BA) and The University of Michigan (MM, DMA) where she studied organ with Dr. Marilyn Mason and Dr. James Kibbie, completing degrees in Liturgical, Synagogue and Church Music (organ). She has served churches in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Oregon, and The Netherlands since the age of 15. She is married to Rev. Marvin Mervin, who is serving at Faison Presbyterian Church (NC). They are blessed with five adult children and 7 grandchildren in their blended family.
Britany Spivey
Director of Christian Education & Children’s Ministry
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 and the Director of Christian Education. Britany graduated from Belmont Abby College with a major in Business Management. Followed by a Master in Education from Emory & Henry College. Combining the skill set that these two fields brings, she helps our church family grow as disciples by building a strong foundation of faith. She certified Christian Educator. Britany is a North Carolina native and enjoys sports, the outdoors, TV and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Kimberhly Hopkins
Interim Director of Youth Ministry
Kimberhly joined FPC nine years ago with her daughter, Huntyr. Since then, she has led Bible study for the middle and high schoolers, was a worship leader for the Cross Creek mid-week service, and has sung in the Chapel, Women’s, and Celebration Choirs. Kimberhly has been active with VBS for the past five years and was recently ordained as a Deacon.
Britni Nichol
Director of First School
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 is a Fayetteville native. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services Management through the University of Phoenix and her Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Marketing through Capella University. Nichole has over 24 years 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.
Wanda Ussery
Nursery Director
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!
