Team


Get to Know the Staff

Our Team

Zach Melton

Biz Development Leader

Zach was born, raised and still lives in St. Augustine, FL. Zach is a husband and father whose passion and focus in life is to help this generation and the next see how their work can and does matter to God. Zach’s interests include fishing, outdoor activities and studying history and theology. Zach graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelors of Business Administration and a focus in marketing & economics. He is currently working on his Masters of Theological studies in Workplace Theology & Ethical Leadership at the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Fun fact, Zach got his boating license at 14 years old!

Josiah Swenson

Journey Connector

Josiah was born in Chicago, Illinois but was raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He has a passion for his peers and for young adults. Josiah graduated with a degree in Business Management from the University of North Florida in December of 2020. He especially enjoys working one on one with people. Josiah is big on developing deeper relationships with others and making them feel like they belong. Fun fact, Josiah has a super secret YouTube channel with over 1,000 subscribers.

Melissa Strickland

VP of Operations

Melissa is a born and raised Jacksonville native who loves running and contstanlty learning. Melissa is a wife and mother of two children, whose passion's include her family, faith, health and college ministry. Melissa received her Bachelors of Science in Biology at the University of North Florida. She then went on and taught middle school and high school science prior to Co-founding CoPassion with her husband in 2014. Melissa has been working and volunteering in Campus ministry for 18 Years now. Fun fact, Melissa is ambidextrous!

Ray Strickland

President

Ray was raised in Ocala, Florida. Ray is a husband and father of two children, whose passion is CoPassion. His desire is to Champion this movement for all college students to discover and fulfill their calling in Christ. Prayer is Ray’s biggest interest, but he also secretly wants to be a mascot for a professional sports team. Ray graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelors in Business Administration. He then was a benefits advisor for almost 12 years before Co-founding CoPassion with his wife. Ray has worked with Campus Ministry for 18 years. Fun Fact, Ray was prom king and voted best personality in high school!

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