Meet Our Staff

Don Barnett-Pastor

Pastor Don Barnett has served as an ordained minister in the North Alabama Conference for 32 years. He holds degrees from Vanderbilt Divinity School (M.Div.), Birmingham-Southern College (B.A.), and Lauderdale County High School. Don also served as a certified agricultural chaplain to farm families on Sand Mountain in the early years of his ministry. He has served a variety of congregations in rural cooperative ministry and mission, to small town and inner city churches. He and his wife Tangie enjoy witnessing through music and working with children’s ministries. They have three children: Daniel (23), Micah (19), and Bethany (10). Don is committed to working together with other disciples to share the vital message of God’s love, salvation, and hope in Christ that changes hearts and lives!
Contact Don Barnett:
don.barnett@umcna.org
Office: 256-927-3452

Emily Gossett
Children's Director & Administrative Assistant

Emily Gossett is originally from Panama City Beach. She says since moving to Centre, AL in 2009 permanently she would never leave this city! She received her Bachelor of Science in International Business Management from Huntingdon College in 2015. She is Married to Jimmy Gossett and they have two children, Ella and Reagan. Emily loves being with children and is overjoyed to guide them through children's ministry and their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Contact Emily:
office@centrefumc.com
centrefirstchildren@gmail.com
Office (256) 927-3452

David Sanford-Contemporary Worship Leader

David Sanford is our Contemporary Worship Director. David and his family recently moved back to Centre from Nashville, where he worked as professional musician. David plays multiple instruments and comes with a rich and diverse musical background.

David is married to Jessica Nelson Sanford and they have three children. Marlee (4) and newborn twin boys, Beau and Shepp. Many in the congregation may already know David as he is the son of Larry & Beth Sanford.
Contact David :
Email: david@brandsanford.com
Office: 256-927-3452

Kaitlyn Revette - Youth Director

Kaitlyn Griffith Revette, native to Centre, AL and a life-long member of CFUMC, serves the high school students in our youth ministry at Centre First United Methodist. Kaitlyn is a 2011 graduate of Cherokee County High School. She completed her undergraduate studies in exercise science at the University of South Alabama where she competed four years for USA’s Division I softball team. After undergrad, Kaitlyn completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy also at USA. She now practices as a licensed physical therapist at Northeast Orthopedics in Centre, AL. Kaitlyn is married to Blake Revette, who supports her in all she does and will also take on a leadership role within the ministry at our church. They have one daughter, Halle Jo, along with two fur-babies – Tucker and RJ. For fun, Kaitlyn continues to spend time at the softball field where she is a volunteer assistant at CCHS. Youth ministry played an integral part in the development of her personal relationship with Jesus Christ and she is grateful for the opportunity to lead and guide young adults on their specific paths to being a light in their homes, church, school, and community.
centrefirstyouth@gmail.com
Office: 256-927-3452

David James-Choir Director

The Chancel Choir is directed by David James. David has been on staff at CFUMC for almost twenty years, and he believes that music is an extremely important part of the worship service. David began participating in the music ministry of Centre First at an early age and developed a passion for music in worship. He loves various types of music and strives to mix varieties and styles of music to enhance traditional worship.

David holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from JSU and works in his family's business, a local grain and trucking company. David and his wife Cindy live in Centre and both are active in other ministries of the church.

Contact David James:
Email: cmci@tds.net
Office: 256-927-3452

Anna Kennedy - Pianist/Organist

Anna is serving as the Pianist in our 10:55am worship service each week.

Anna is originally from Jacksonville, AL. She and her husband currently live in Piedmont. She is employed by the Alabama Teachers Credit Union and also teaches piano lessons. Anna graduated in 2009 from JSU with a Bachelor of Music with a concentration in piano. She was also the pianist for Alexandria United Methodist Church from 2008-2011. She is excited to be working in the church once again.

To contact Anna call the church office (256) 927-3452

Niiki Hawkins - Jr High Leader

Niiki was born and raised in Sylvania, Alabama. After graduating form The University of Alabama, she moved to Cherokee County. Niiki is married to Bill Hawkins. She has two daughters and a step-son: Audry, Ava and Will. Niiki serves as junior high leader. She has a passion to help middle schoolers develop a closer relationship with our Lord and Savior, to discover the calling Jesus has on each of their lives and how each of these kids can serve in God's Church.

Contact Niiki Email: niikihaygood@yahoo.com