MERCY STAFF
R. Patrick Hayle
Executive Director and CEO
In 1997, Patrick joined the City Rescue Mission where he served in various capacities, eventually assuming the role of Executive Director and CEO in 2003. He left in 2010 and enjoyed a brief period of semi-retirement while doing consulting work with his wife. Having been a Clay County resident for 21 years, and knowing the need for improvement in homeless conditions here, Patrick now serves as Executive Director and CEO at Mercy Support Services. His experience and leadership in the community have produced growth and a vision for Mercy that has a major impact in Clay County.
Phyllis Simpson
Growth and Enrichment Manager/Interim Programs Manager
Dr. Phyllis joined the Mercy team in 2020. She is as a servant leader, passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, empowering them to discover their potential, passion, and purpose. Dr. Phyllis is an ordained minister of the Gospel of Christ, has a Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Christian Counseling from Jacksonville Theological Seminary (JTS), Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor from National Christian Counselors Association (N.C.C.A.), credentialed in Transformational Life Coaching, through Dream Mentors International, Orange Park, Florida, is a Maxwell Method Certified DISC Consultant through the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team and holds a BA in Interpersonal Group Communication from Trinity International University, Deerfield, Illinois.
Melissa Whitaker
Development Associate
Melissa has had a sincere passion for the issues surrounding homelessness in Clay County since her 12 years of working as the homeless advocate for the School District of Clay County, as well as her involvement with Mercy at its very inception. She brings extensive knowledge of the issues and a personal rapport with the clients that helps her to be the perfect choice in helping to manage the growing programs and needs. Melissa is a cheerful addition to our Mercy family, overseeing the Resource and Referral Call Center, Self-Sufficiency, Rapid Rehousing, and Eviction Prevention Programs.
Carmen Queen
Development Associate
Danielle Bridges
Program Associate
Danielle Bridges was born and raised in Jacksonville. At the age of 13, she moved to Clay County where she graduated from Middleburg High School and met her husband. Danielle and her husband have two children and still reside in Clay County. Danielle has over 20 years’ experience in the administrative and customer service industries. Her leadership skills were honed in both corporate and church ministry environments. She has a passion for loving people with a sincere heart and honoring Jesus in all she does. These characteristics will service the Mercy team and Clay County community well as she takes on the task of Program Associate.
Dena Collins
Director of Operations
Dena Collins has been a Jacksonville/Orange Park native for 49 years. Coming from corporate America to the Mercy family in 2017, she brings extensive administrative and leadership skills. Also deeply involved in ministry leadership and missions over the last 16+ years, she handles the day-to-day operations of the organization, staff relations/development, CEO support, and HR.
Jeff Boyer
Director of Development
JoLynn Carter
Assistant Director of Development
JoLynn's entire life has been associated with the United States Military. Growing up as an Army brat; then marrying
a Navy sailor, she has moved 14 times, and has a world of experiences with different parts of the country and different walks of life. With a Marketing Degree in Business Administration, JoLynn’s corporate work experience includes Media Buying, Radio Sales and being the Marketing Manager at Thrasher-Horne Center. She has volunteered for almost 30 years putting together events for various organizations including Mercy Support Services since 2015. She also continues to teach fitness classes. JoLynn feels humbled and grateful to be a part of Mercy’s Christ-centered mission of helping people in need in Clay County.
Una Baker Brown
Executive Assistant
Brandi Tuck
Program Associate
Brandi Tuck has lived in Orange Park, Florida her entire life and is a loving mother of two. She is a graduate from Florida State College with an Associate Degree of Arts in Supervision and Management. She is very active in her community and loves to help people. Brandi is the co-founder of Seeds of Love Ministry- a nonprofit organization that strives to be soul changers by planting seeds of God's love throughout the community. Brandi is excited to be a part of the Mercy team where she can live out her calling of serving God by helping those in need.