Staff

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​Dr. James O. Renault
Pastor   
​ jim.renault@1stmethodist.org
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​Dr. Renault has been in the ministry since 1971. He joined us as the leader of our church in 2002. He also served a United Methodist church in Tampa. Prior to becoming a United Methodist, he served Baptist churches in Georgia, Florida, and Kentucky. He received his M.Div. and Ph.D. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. He was among the first to graduate from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 1972. He was ordained an Elder in the United Methodist Church in 2002.

Valerie Desautel
Administrative Assistant       
​valerie.desautel@1stmethodist.org

​Valerie joined our staff in October 2007. She is originally from Cumberland, Rhode Island and move to Dade City in 2005. Valerie and her husband have one daughter, Amanda and one grandson, Cayden.

Holly Carter
Director of Children's Ministry       
​holly.carter@1stmethodist.org
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Holly joined our staff in June 2012 after teaching elementary school in Pasco County for the previous 8 years. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Flagler College and her Master's Degree from Saint Leo University. Holly and her husband have four children, Owen, Miles, Eleanor and Callie.

​Jennifer Ferguson
Director of Music Ministry     
​ jennifer.ferguson@1stmethodist.org
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Jennifer joined our staff in October 2003. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Studies from the University of South Florida. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Music Degree in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance from the University of South Florida. Jennifer and her husband, Jere, have three daughters, Tawnie, Ciera, and Dorothy.

Katie Sutton
Youth Director     
​katie.sutton@1stmethodist.org

Katie joined our staff in October 2021. She received a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Graphic Design, minoring in Studio Art at Florida Southern College. Katie is currently an Art Teacher at Centennial Elementary, and has grown up in the Methodist Church. 
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