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.

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.

Claudia Fletcher served as the Chief Program Officer from 2016-2025. She played a pivotal role in all mission-furthering programs and ministries, overseeing program policy and procedure, collaboration inside and outside the organization, and keeping FIVE18 compliant with all federal, state, and local regulations and laws. In true fashion to her personality, at the same time, Claudia also served part-time as the National Implementing Partner Liason and Area Director for Virginia and West Virginia with CarePortal. The combined positions serve countless individuals in need, fostering a culture of compassion and excellence.

Our hearts are heavy with this sudden loss, but we take comfort in knowing that Claudia lived a life devoted to Christ and is now in His eternal presence. Her faith-driven leadership and compassionate spirit will continue to guide us and keep us committed to continuing her legacy of vision, service, and impact.

.

Jeff Nitz currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer. He has been involved in child welfare services for over 35 years.

Jeff deeply believes that, when fulfilling God's great calling, the local church is the hope of the world, and he's excited to see the Church take its rightful place in meeting the needs of children and families in our community. He and his wife, Cheryl, have been married for over 30 years and have four children, including two through older-child adoption.

Robert Day serves as the CEO, which in most cases stands for “Chief Executive Officer,” but he also refers to himself as a “Chief Executive Orphan.” Born to a teenage mother, who was herself a ward of the state, Robert survived over 35 homes, abject poverty, neglect, and abuse before his unlikely graduation from high school. Today, through God’s grace and with two Master’s Degrees in hand, his life work is dedicated to keeping children safe and families strong.

Robert’s inspiring testimony, together with his unique and timely perspective, has made him a sought-after speaker for conferences, churches, civic audiences, and beyond. In addition to his testimony, Robert loves to speak on Child Welfare, Overcoming Poverty, and the process of Social and Organizational Change.