Meet Our Staff

Jeff Davis-Pastor

Pastor Jeff Davis was appointed to Centre First in June of 2016.
Contact Jeff Davis:
pastor@centrefumc.com
Office: 256-927-3452

Matt Allen
Children's Director

Matt Allen is a native of Cherokee County, he grew up attending Centre First United Methodist Church. He graduated from Cherokee County High School and attended Auburn University. His mother and father are Mary Ann and Ed Allen. Matt is married to Lindsey Allen and they have two children, Eli and Ellis Allen. Matt and his family live here in Centre and are members of Centre First United Methodist Church. Matt has been a long-time member of CFUMC. He attended the children’s, tween’s and the youth programs as a child. He continues to be very active in the life of the church. Matt has had a long history of volunteering to help in many areas at CFUMC. He has helped with the youth and children’s and tweens activities for many years. Matt has been a member of the SPRC and Missions Team and is now the CFUMC Children’s Director.
In addition to serving in multiple areas of the church, Matt also serves the children of our community. He has been a part of the lives of our young people for most of his life. He was an umpire for both softball and baseball for many years, he has also coached a number of T-Ball, baseball and soccer teams over the last few years. In addition to volunteering his time for sports, Matt is the Cub Master for the Cub Scout Pack 247. Centre First United Methodist Church is the Charter Organization for the Cub Scouts and Matt was recently presented with The Cross and Flame Award “in recognition of outstanding service to children and youth in the Centre First United Methodist Church.”
To contact Matt: email matt31677@gmail.com
or call the office at (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

Bill Scroggin-Media

Bill came on staff in 2007 to began a media ministry with us. A graduate of Jacksonville University with a BS in Music Education, Bill has worked in United Methodist churches as music and youth director. In 1986 Bill, his wife Karen, and their two sons, moved to central Alabama to work on staff at Servants In Faith And Technology, a training institute for appropriate technology. While on staff there they moved to a Zulu township in South Africa and worked seconded to The Methodist Church of Southern Africa. After returning from Africa the family moved to Bolivia with United World Mission, to work among the Quechua people.

After returning to Cherokee County, coming on staff at First United Methodist was a good next step in continuing meaningful ministry. Working with volunteers our media ministry produces DVDs of both services each week and other special programs of the church also sharing each week's services and other videos on this web page. Bill is responsible for video, photography, graphics and other media related items.

Contact Bill Scroggin:
Email: media@centrefumc.com
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

Marcell Rampley-Church Secretary

Marcell brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience accumulated from her administrative responsibilities throughout her career. Her work history includes time at First Baptist Church in Rome and Floyd County Baptist Association. She enjoys the opportunity to serve in this capacity.
Marcell resided in Centre from 2005-2019. She currently lives in Rome with her husband Jeff. She enjoys home decorating, craft projects and spending time with her family.
Contact Marcell Rampley:
Email: office@centrefumc.com
Office: 256-927-3452

Michelle Davis - Youth Director

Michelle was born and raised in Guntersville.She is married to Jeff and they have two sons, Mitchell and John Evan. Michelle is passionate about serving and encouraging the youth as they grow in faith on their journey with God. She enjoys spending time with family and friends in her free time. She may not be from Centre originally, but she and her family certainly consider it home!
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

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

Pat Hill-Organist

Pat received his BS in Music Education from Jacksonville State University. He received his Masters in Music Theory from the University of South Carolina. He hs been playing professionally for over 50 years, and he is a retired music educator. He taught music for 24 years in the public school system in Hilton Head, SC and at the Hilton Head campus of USC Beaufort. He and his wife, Mary Leigh are active members of CFUMC and live in Leesburg.

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