FIVE18's leadership is committed to the mission of reconciliation.

Thank you for your willingness to advance the ministry of FIVE18 Family Services through your financial gift.

Beginning July 1, 2025 Jeff Nitz took on the role of Chief Executive Officer. Jeff has been an integral part of our leadership since 2017 and has been involved in child welfare services for more than 35 years.

Jeff deeply believes that our strength and future as a community comes down to how well we collectively care for our children and support parents. He also views the local church as the hope of the world, and is excited to see the Church take a much more prominent place in meeting the needs of children and families in our community. He and his wife, Cheryl, have been married for over 40 years and have four children, including two through older-child adoption.

Jonathan Whitt serves as Chief Operating Officer at FIVE18 Family Services. Before joining FIVE18, Jonathan served as Integrator and Vice President of Advancement at Crossworld, a global organization focused on mobilizing disciple-makers from all professions to bring God’s love to life in the world’s least-reached places. He has also held executive leadership roles with Liberty University, the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, and Virginia’s Region 2000 Technology Council, where he fostered innovation ecosystems and strategic partnerships that drove regional growth and collaboration.

Known for his servant-focused leadership style, Jonathan is passionate about helping others discover their purpose, align their work with their values, and lead with integrity and faith. Jonathan and his wife, Jennifer, live in Forest, where they enjoy spending time with family, exploring the outdoors, and investing in the local community.

Jim Herron serves as the Chief Strategy Officer. He is passionate about helping those who care about the hurting so they are able to support and promote mental and emotional healing. Jim’s role allows him to leverage his training and experience, along with his passion for children and families, to empower others to heal and grow. From a rich reservoir of experience in family dynamics, church leadership, and community mental health services, Jim guides the application of Biblical truths into real life.

Jim and his wife, Ruth, have six adult children, three of whom joined their family by adoption. They provided foster care for many years in Ohio and Virginia, and hosted over 50 placements. They currently have ten grandchildren.

As Chief Program Officer at Five18, Nicholette Antoniuk leads strategy and vision for children and caregivers services across Central Virginia. With an MBA in Healthcare Management, she spent years managing a small biotech business before shifting her focus to family care and ministry. In 2017, she and her husband entered full-time ministry, later relocating to Lynchburg, VA to join Patrick Henry Family Services — now FIVE18 Family Services. In her role, Nicholette collaborates with community partners to strengthen families, and facilitates trauma-informed training programs — such as the Cost of Poverty Experience (COPE) — to support and equip regional nonprofit leaders. Guided by Romans 8:28 and 1 Timothy 5:8, she commits to fostering strong families, future leaders, and lasting change.

Nicholette is deeply involved in Blue Ridge Community Church’s worship, service, and discipleship programs. She and her husband enjoy raising three children and a lively bunch of pets, and engaging in board games, hiking, or creative projects. In 2022, she published her first children’s book, a tribute to the autism community.