Pastor James Szakacs

Executive Director 

Jim has been the Executive Director of The Nehemiah Mission since March of 2008. He is the Pastor of the Mission by appointment of the Bishop of the East Ohio Conference. 

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In his previous career, Jim was self employed as an organizational development coach and marketing consultant. His clients included both for profit and non-profit organizations. He was a marketing and communication specialist in the sports and entertainment industry for the prior 20 years.

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Jim also serves as the Pastor of New Vision at Garfield Heights United Methodist Church and sits on various boards and agencies of the North Coast District and East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Becky Trout 

#Corner65 Program Manager 

Becky began her relationship with the mission as a team member from St. John’s UMC of Turnersville, NJ in 2008. From there she fell in love with the city and Nehemiah's ministry.  Becky now operates and manages the #Corner65 program. 

Rachel Palmer 

Program Assistant 

Rachel is originally from Kent, Ohio and was very involved with the United Methodist Church there. She was also a summer camp counselor at Camp Wanake. 

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Rachel studied International Relations and Arabic Language at American University in Washington, DC. She held multiple internships on Capitol Hill, at the Middle East Institute, and most recently, was a Youth Development Specialist with Peace Corps in Morocco. 

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Rachel is responsible for assisting work teams and volunteers, the general maintenance of the building, and assisting with the #Corner65 ministry.