BOARD MEMBERS

Tom Sweeney / Executive Director

As the new Executive Director of Hope Creek Charitable Foundation, which operates the Mill Creek Food Bank, I bring over three decades of dedicated service in community development and non-profit leadership. My journey began as a Teacher in Pomona, California, eventually leading to roles such as Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, and Principal at Pomona Unified School District. Most notably, I co-founded and led Gods-Pantry.org for a decade, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting working poor families with school-age children. This experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of community needs and a passion for creating impactful programs and services.

My hope is to continue the good work that is already being done at Hope Creek, building on the solid foundation that has been established. I am committed to working closely with the community to demonstrate our care and support. Once people see how much we care, they will feel connected, and once they feel cared for and connected, they will truly feel like they are part of a community. I look forward to fostering these connections and enhancing the well-being of our community.

Alex Johnson / Board President

Alex Johnson is the Executive Director at Gold Creek and serves as President of the Board for the Hope Creek Charitable Foundation. In his role with Hope Creek, he collaborates with the Director to oversee day-to-day operations and programs, while also working with the board to support the organization’s continued growth and community impact.

Alex earned a degree in hospitality and management from Washington State University and began his career in corporate banking sales. In 2009, he transitioned into nonprofit and community-focused leadership roles and now oversees multiple departments and initiatives at Gold Creek.

Raised in Woodinville, Alex still calls it home, where he lives with his wife and two children as they prepare to enter the empty-nest chapter of life.

Nick Wallsteadt / Board Vice-President

Nick Wallsteadt brings over 15 years of leadership experience across higher education, non-profit, and faith-based sectors. He served as Vice President and Dean at one of the fastest-growing private universities in the U.S., where he helped shape strategic civic partnerships and led initiatives focused on educational access and institutional growth.

Nick holds a bachelor’s degree, an M.A. in Leadership from Southeastern University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in education. He is a seasoned public speaker, having delivered talks nationally and internationally on the future of higher education and organizational leadership. As a civic-minded leader, Nick actively participates in local educational initiatives and community engagement efforts.

A product of a military family and proud of his Korean heritage, Nick lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife of 14 years and their two children. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, exploring new culinary experiences, attempting to practice Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and volunteering in local schools.

CJ Barkema / Board Member

CJ is a board member of the Hope Creek Charitable Foundation, where he is committed to helping build strong, sustainable programs that serve the community. He brings valuable experience from his 15-year career in sales, management, and client service with national wealth management firms.

Before joining Hope Creek, CJ served as the 4th and 5th grade Bridge Pastor at Gold Creek Community Church. He and his wife, Sarah, have been dedicated supporters and volunteers at the Mill Creek Food Bank since relocating to the area in 2018.

Outside of his community work, CJ enjoys spending time outdoors in the backcountry—splitboarding and mountaineering when he can—and cheering on his two teenage daughters at local fields and gyms.

Phil Dineen / Board Member

Phil has been a proud resident of the Mill Creek community for over 25 years, where he and his wife have raised their three children. Over the years, he has seen the area grow and change—along with a noticeable rise in the needs of local families. This growing need is what inspired him to get involved with Hope Creek Charitable Foundation.

Phil brings decades of leadership experience as the founder and operator of a small telecommunications business he started 30 years ago. He has also been an active member of Gold Creek Community Church for the past 12 years.

At Hope Creek, Phil plays a key role in providing strategic oversight to ensure the organization continues to meet the evolving needs of the community. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, hiking, and traveling.

Dan McNeely / Board Member

Hello, my name is Dan McNeely, and together with my wife, Sue, we own North Creek Roofing. We’ve called the greater Mill Creek area home for all 46 years of our married life.

For the past 8 years, we’ve been part of the Gold Creek community, and during the pandemic, we felt compelled to get involved with Hope Creek Charitable Foundation. As the needs in our community grew, so did our desire to help—and that’s when our journey with Hope Creek began.

Steve Strickler / Board Member

Steve is a retired Director of Juvenile Justice and Prison Ministry.