Rev. Jimmy Sherrod, Pastor
Jimmy Sherrod began serving Central United Methodist Church in July 2014. He was born in Knoxville and grew up on the east side of town. He graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2000 and Wesley Theological Seminary in 2010. He has served the French Broad Circuit in East Knox County, Metropolitan Memorial UMC in Washington, D.C. and Powell UMC in Knoxville. He has served in the church as a youth minister, music minister, associate pastor, and lead pastor.
He loves music and has had the opportunity to sing and play in various worship settings, including leading music for two different annual conferences. He is passionate about helping people to connect with God using their gifts, talents and skills. He is also passionate about justice and mercy and the role of the local church in advocating for and offering both.
Jimmy is married to Lesli Bales-Sherrod, a public-relations specialists, and they have two children, Henry James and Catherine Grace. They live in Old North Knox in a wonderful, creaky ole house that was built in 1905. In his free time, Jimmy enjoys traveling, college football, and taking naps.
Rev. Jimmy Sherrod, Pastor
Jimmy Sherrod began serving Central United Methodist Church in July 2014. He was born in Knoxville and grew up on the east side of town. He graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2000 and Wesley Theological Seminary in 2010. He has served the French Broad Circuit in East Knox County, Metropolitan Memorial UMC in Washington, D.C. and Powell UMC in Knoxville. He has served in the church as a youth minister, music minister, associate pastor, and lead pastor.
He loves music and has had the opportunity to sing and play in various worship settings, including leading music for two different annual conferences. He is passionate about helping people to connect with God using their gifts, talents and skills. He is also passionate about justice and mercy and the role of the local church in advocating for and offering both.
Jimmy is married to Lesli Bales-Sherrod, a public-relations specialists, and they have two children, Henry James and Catherine Grace. They live in Old North Knox in a wonderful, creaky ole house that was built in 1905. In his free time, Jimmy enjoys traveling, college football, and taking naps.
Laurie Speranza, Administrative Assistant
Laurie became the Administrative Assistant in May of 2018 after having served in the same capacity for a church, a school of theology and a corporation in Rochester, NY.
Laurie grew up in the suburbs of Rochester and moved to Heiskell in April 2018 to live with her oldest daughter, son-in-law and grandson. She grew up attending a Presbyterian church in her hometown. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, reading and baking.
Laurie Speranza, Administrative Assistant
Laurie became the Administrative Assistant in May of 2018 after having served in the same capacity for a church, a school of theology and a corporation in Rochester, NY.
Laurie grew up in the suburbs of Rochester and moved to Heiskell in April 2018 to live with her oldest daughter, son-in-law and grandson. She grew up attending a Presbyterian church in her hometown. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, reading and baking.
Brandon Coffer, Music Director and Organist
Brandon Coffer, Knoxville native, attended West High School (2008) and Carson-Newman University (2013) earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance. Upon graduation, Brandon served as staff accompanist at Carson-Newman University (2013-2016). Brandon has served as piano and organist accompanist at Bearden United Methodist Church (2008-2013) and as piano accompanist at First Baptist Church of Knoxville (2016- current). Brandon is a sought after collaborative pianist in the East Tennessee region. He has performed with various organizations and local schools- East Tennessee Vocal Association, Encore Theater of Morristown, The Newport Theater Guild, Marble City Opera Company, Morristown East High School, Heritage High School, Seymour High School, and Cocke County High School. Currently Brandon is employed with Bulwark Exterminating and is located in South Knoxville with his family, Madie (wife), Adrien (13 years, Murfreesboro), Hendrix (2 years), Harlow (5 months).
Brandon Coffer, Music Director and Organist
Brandon Coffer, Knoxville native, attended West High School (2008) and Carson-Newman University (2013) earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance. Upon graduation, Brandon served as staff accompanist at Carson-Newman University (2013-2016). Brandon has served as piano and organist accompanist at Bearden United Methodist Church (2008-2013) and as piano accompanist at First Baptist Church of Knoxville (2016- current). Brandon is a sought after collaborative pianist in the East Tennessee region. He has performed with various organizations and local schools- East Tennessee Vocal Association, Encore Theater of Morristown, The Newport Theater Guild, Marble City Opera Company, Morristown East High School, Heritage High School, Seymour High School, and Cocke County High School. Currently Brandon is employed with Bulwark Exterminating and is located in South Knoxville with his family, Madie (wife), Adrien (13 years, Murfreesboro), Hendrix (2 years), Harlow (5 months).
Madie Shehan, Director of Families with Children
Madie Shehan, a Knoxville native, began her role as Director of Families with Children in December 2024. A devoted wife and mother to Hendrix and Harlow, Madie is currently pursuing a degree in Professional Studies at Carson Newman University, with a focus on music, business, and education. Her passions include music, cooking, and traveling, reflecting her love for creativity and connection in both her personal and professional life.
Madie Shehan, Director of Families with Children
Madie Shehan, a Knoxville native, began her role as Director of Families with Children in December 2024. A devoted wife and mother to Hendrix and Harlow, Madie is currently pursuing a degree in Professional Studies at Carson Newman University, with a focus on music, business, and education. Her passions include music, cooking, and traveling, reflecting her love for creativity and connection in both her personal and professional life.
Doug Johnson, Facilities Manager
Doug Johnson came to Central in 2012. He served in the United States Air Force for 32 years, retiring in August of 2015. Doug has served on the Board of Trustees here at Central since 2013 until accepting the position of Facility Manager in February of 2016. He is married to Sherry Cole-Johnson and they have two sons, Reese and Keith.
Doug Johnson, Facilities Manager
Doug Johnson came to Central in 2012. He served in the United States Air Force for 32 years, retiring in August of 2015. Doug has served on the Board of Trustees here at Central since 2013 until accepting the position of Facility Manager in February of 2016. He is married to Sherry Cole-Johnson and they have two sons, Reese and Keith.
Jeff Criswell, Custodian
Jeff Criswell came to Central in early 2012. He served three years in the US Army and holds an Associate Degree in Electronics from ITT Tech.
Jeff Criswell, Custodian
Jeff Criswell came to Central in early 2012. He served three years in the US Army and holds an Associate Degree in Electronics from ITT Tech.