Lieutenant (Lt.) Gessica Pierre is “not afraid to roll up her sleeves and ‘get dirty’ and does not expect anyone to do what she would not”. Lt. Gessica, the Executive Director and pastor at The Salvation Army of Alamance County does what it takes to serve others and impact the community. Whether it is driving and unloading trucks, distributing food to the community, planning events, or cleaning out a storage area, Lt. Gessica is always leading the way and setting an example for those around her. She is described by a nominator as someone who “is transparent, creates an atmosphere of trust, shares their knowledge, and makes a positive connection to every individual with whom she reacts”.
Lt. Gessica served with the Salvation Army of Wake County from 2015 to 2019 in varying capacities. In 2021, she became the Commanding Officer/ Executive Director at the Salvation Army of Alamance County. There Lt. Gessica is responsible for ensuring the Salvation Army achieves its mission and purpose. She oversees a multitude of resources such as the Food Bank, Seasonal Assistance programs, Emergency Financial Assistance, Boys Club and Girls Club, and the Salvation Army Thrift Store. She also provides support for The Salvation Army’s After-school programs, Camps 4 Youth, and the Music and Creative Arts program for NC. The services and programs that Lt. Gessica oversees move individuals and families away from crisis and vulnerability toward stability and ultimately self-sufficiency. She also works behind the scenes to obtain funding for the programs to serve the residents of Alamance County. Lt. Gessica is excited to be part of the planning committee for the inaugural Salvation Army Women Officers’ Retreat, the first of its kind for all women officers in the Southern Territory.
Lt. Gessica graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Communication with a concentration in International Public Relations from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Master’s degree in Public Administration from North Carolina State University. After a couple of years working in the government sector, The Lord called her into full-time ministry with The Salvation Army. She and her husband Lt. Jimmy Pierre both obtained their Bachelor’s degrees in Practical Christian Ministries from Evangeline Booth College School of Officer Training through the Salvation Army.
Lt Gessica is native to Haiti but grew up in the heart of North Carolina. She is mommy to Giselle Marie and Jakobe Justus. Lt. Gessica is passionate about sharing the love of Jesus with those that she encounters and has devoted the rest of her life in the service of others. She is guided by a verse from the Old Testament of the Bible which says, “Take delight in The Lord and He will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you.” (Psalm 37:4-5).
A nominator writes “As a woman, wife, mother, friend, Pastor, and leader, she is a true reflection of Christ’s love”. Lt. Gessica is grateful for the impact that The Salvation Army had on her life and considers it to be a privilege to now be a part of impacting the lives of others under the shield of hope. In her free time, Lt. Gessica loves to sing, spend quality time with family and friends, and is a self-proclaimed foodie that loves to try new culinary experiences. She also mentors the youth leading a young woman’s monthly Bible study and leads a weekly singing company for children.
