Board of Directors
Peggy Melvin
Vice-President
A longtime devotee of our organization for over two decades, Peggy now serves as vice-president of the Board of Directors. She is a faithful member of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church. Even in retirement, Peggy has a full schedule of outreach activities, of which Sampson Partners’ mission of basic humanitarian support is a large part. She and her husband, John, recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.
Willie Mitchell
Member
Another stalwart of Sampson Partners, having served as past chair, and contributing on many levels over the years, Willie is a fixture at Andrews Chapel. He is known throughout the county for his service, with his participation in veterans’ affairs being perhaps his most visible activity. He is also a ham radio enthusiast, an activity that he enjoys from the comfort of his den.
Johnny C. Pridgen Jr.
Chief of Operations / Treasurer
Johnny’s roots with Sampson Partners run deep. All the way back to 1986, his father, the late J.C. Pridgen, Sr., joined his missionary energies with those of other local ministers to form Clinton United Churches Crisis Center, our first corporate name. For his part, Johnny has focused his own vision and work within our organization for over twenty-five years. His current post is Chief of Operations and Treasurer, but that understates his role. Simply, Sampson Partners would not exist were it not for his unwavering dedication. He and his wife Sandi are members of First Baptist Church in Clinton.
Margaret Spivey
Co-manager
No one can do proper justice to the role that Margaret has played at Sampson Partners. Since before most of us were born, Margaret has co-managed our thrift shop which generates almost every dollar of our revenue. Her physical energy and her fierce defense of thrift shop operations are inspiring to those of us who have worked with her. Margaret enjoys playing the saxophone. She is a faithful member of Colonial Heights Freewill Baptist Church.
Paul Viser
President
Since 1994, Paul has participated in our organization in varying ways. This includes serving as chair and leading a capital campaign in 1999 to raise $85,000 for renovation of the buildings which we currently occupy. After several years of limited involvement, he is now serving as president of Sampson Partners. Paul’s current area of emphasis is the expansion of our furniture operation. A key part of this vision is to construct and pay for a new building on the adjacent property. Paul is a full-time physician and a member of Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Rhonda West
Secretary
As is true of all six people on the Board of Directors, Rhonda has a long history with Sampson Partners, serving as secretary for many years, she now holds the post of secretary of our board. Rhonda lives in the Newton Grove area where she and her husband are busy farmers. Rhonda has two adult children. She is a member of Oak Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church.