Staff Members
Deanna West-Torrence, Founder
A longtime resident, Deanna West-Torrence found herself returning to the North End neighborhood throughout her life. Each time she returned, she found the same friendly people with lifelong relationships, but the appearance of the neighborhood had changed drastically. The schools were closed, the neighborhood businesses had decreased and the once well-kept houses were deteriorating. At the same time, she found her own family experiencing much of what so many others were facing. Following a divorce, she became a single mother, raising four young children on the North End.
Through the years, Deanna worked in many ways to better the community, from working with CHAP (Community Health Access Project), representing the 5th Ward on Mansfield City Council, serving on the Mansfield City School Board, and leading the Neighborhood Youth Corps, as well as serving on other boards, task forces, and advisory committees.
In 2007, Deanna and other residents and community leaders applied their collective experience and founded the North End Community Improvement Collaborative (NECIC). NECIC's mission is to improve the quality of life and economic landscape of the North End Community.
Deanna attended Rebecca Grubaugh, Creveling and Discovery Schools, Johnny Appleseed Middle School and graduated from Malabar High School. She then attended the University of Cincinnati and the Southern New Hampshire University’s School of Community Economic Development. Deanna is a graduate of the Center for Creative Leadership’s African American Leadership Program in 2005, and the Harvard Kennedy School for Executive Education in 2011. She has managed local non-profits for many years.
Deanna is the proud mother of four Adult children, and 5 Grand children.
E-mail: Deanna@necic-ohio.org
Phone: 419-522-1611, ext 115
Tionna Perdue, Operations Manager
Tionna joined the team as a NECIC Staffing Specialist in 2017 after ten years with Third Street Family Health Services.
A North End native, Tionna loves the mission to improve the quality of life and the economic landscape of the North End. Her passion for helping fellow residents by giving them the tools they need to be successful shows every day in her work as the Operations Manager.
E-mail: Tionna@necic-ohio.org
Phone: 419-522-1611, ext 102
Alan Mitchell, MBAC Director
Alan is a Business Advisor for the Ohio Department of Development here at the North End Community Improvement Collaborative. In addition, Alan is the Principal Consultant at Social Enterprise Solutions. In general, Alan works to Provide technical and administrative guidance to directors and managers of for-profit and non-profit organizations to ensure timely, orderly, and efficient conduct of operations and development. He is a Naval veteran and hails from Oberlin, Ohio. In addition to Naval and Government service, he has worked in education, philanthropy, community development, and social service. He is the proud husband of Tiffany (Knight) Mitchell. He is also the proud father of Aliya and Alana Mitchell.
Email: Alan@necic-ohio.org
Jacqueline Williams, Staffing Specialist
Jacqueline joined the team in August 2022 after 14 years with Startek.
Being a lifelong native of the North End, she loves the mission statement of NECIC and being a part of the change happening in the community.
Jacqueline's goal is to help whoever comes through the door with what they need to be successful.
Lucas Gerber, Marketing Coordinator
Lucas joined NECIC in July 2023, bringing with him a passion for not-for-profit work that he cultivated during his time as a Marketing Intern at Kingwood Center Gardens. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Franklin University in 2020.
As NECIC's Marketing Coordinator, Lucas is dedicated to sharing the compelling story of Mansfield's North End. His goal is to elevate NECIC's ideals and causes, capturing the attention of residents, non-residents, and stakeholders alike. Lucas is driven by a commitment to making a positive impact on the local Mansfield community through his work with NECIC
Email: Lucas@necic-ohio.org
Josiah Remy, Urban Farmer
Josiah grew up on his family’s farm near Bellville, Ohio, where he developed a deep passion for agriculture through hands-on experience caring for livestock, maintaining gardens, and working the land. After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force as a Nuclear Missile Maintenance Technician, Josiah pursued a degree in Natural Resource Management with a focus on Sustainable Agriculture. His dedication to sustainable farming was further fueled by participating in the Veteran Farmer Program at Rodale Institute.
In the summer of 2024, Josiah joined NECIC as the Urban Farm Manager, drawn by the opportunity to combine his love for hard work, community service, and sustainable food systems. He is committed to making nutritious, locally grown food accessible and helping build a stronger, healthier community. Josiah lives in the area with his wife, Bri, and their three children, Jensen, Lorelei, and Marsali. When he’s not farming, he enjoys staying fit, hunting, fishing, and reading
Email: Josiah@necic-ohio.org
Jeanette Temple, Staff Accountant
Doug Litteral, MBAC Business Advisor
Doug joined the Minority Business Assistance Center at NECIC in the summer of 2024, bringing over 25 years of Sales and Marketing expertise. With a passion for helping individuals transform ideas into thriving businesses, Doug provides guidance in business plan development, marketing strategies, networking, and offering creative solutions. A graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a degree in Business and a Minor in Communications, Doug also consults on Grant writing, Fundraising, and Performance Improvement. Known for his warm, approachable demeanor, Doug is someone you instantly feel comfortable with, and he treasures the importance of “Framily” (friends and family) as life’s greatest gift.
Email: Doug@necic-ohio.org
Shanican Pender, MBAC Business Advisor
Shanican Pender, BS, MSA, is an experienced community advocate, entrepreneur, and the proud owner of Lotus House Beauty and Wellness. A former North End resident and NECIC Community Organizer (2008–2013), Shanican brings a wealth of knowledge and deep connections to her role as a Business Advisor with the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) in Mansfield. Her background includes coordinating impactful health and wellness initiatives, collaborating with diverse community partners, and empowering underserved populations through outreach, education, and leadership.
With degrees from Wilberforce University and Central Michigan University, and professional training from institutions such as Northwestern and Stanford, Shanican’s career reflects her lifelong passion for helping others. Whether behind the chair in her salon or advising entrepreneurs through MBAC, she remains committed to holistic well-being and sustainable growth. As Shanican puts it, “Helping others fulfill their dreams and build sustainable businesses is the perfect match for my purpose.
Email: Shanican@necic-ohio.org
134 N. Main St., Mansfield, Ohio 44902