Staff Members
Matthew Benko-Scruggs, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Matthew Benko-Scruggs is a mission-driven executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in hospitality, philanthropy, and brand strategy. As CEO of NECIC, he leads efforts to drive inclusive economic development and equity across Mansfield’s North End, blending operational expertise with a passion for community impact.
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Matthew studied Culinary Arts and Hotel / Restaurant Management at Johnson & Wales University and completed executive coursework at The Wharton School of Business. Prior to NECIC, he lead the Philanthropy and Brand Management efforts for a statewide youth agency, where he secured the largest donation in the organization’s 78-year history and led branding across 23 regional offices.
Matthew’s career includes leadership roles at The Ohio State University’s Wooster Campus, major convention centers in Pittsburgh, Boston, Houston, and Dallas, and with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has managed multimillion-dollar operations nationwide, consistently increasing revenue and improving guest experience.
A strategist by trade and brand storyteller at heart, Matthew brings a results-driven approach to both the nonprofit and private sectors. He and his husband Johnathan enjoy traveling and gardening—and share their home with a pug named Nikki, who loves to stand in the flowers.
E-mail: matthew@necic-ohio.org
Phone: 419-522-1611
Tionna Perdue, Chief Operating Officer (COO)
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, Director- Minority Business Assistance Center
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