Staff
The staff of First UMC McAlester is always ready to help any way we can.
Dr. Charles Neff
Senior Pastor
Dr. Neff is an Ordained Elder in the Oklahoma Conference of The United Methodist Church and began his ministry at Grand Avenue / First UMC in June 2007. He previously served as Associate Pastor of Faith UMC in Tulsa (2003-2007) and Pastor of Green Valley Chapel UMC near Mount Vernon, Ohio (1999-2003). He is a graduate of Oklahoma City University (BA), Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MDiv, MTS), and Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. (DMin). Dr. Neff is a lifelong United Methodist, having grown-up at East Cross UMC in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He received his calling to ministry at the age of 14 while at church camp.
Rev. Ruth Atterberry
Associate Pastor
Rev. Atterberry is a Provisional Elder in the Oklahoma Conference and was appointed to First UMC of McAlester in June 2009. A native of Healdton, OK, Ruth attended and graduated from Oklahoma State University where she met and married David Atterberry. She taught for 28 years in western Oklahoma until entering the ministry. Ruth holds masters degrees from Southwestern Oklahoma State and Perkins School of Theology. She has two daughters and three grandchildren.
Robin Woodley
Youth Minister
Robin has been on staff with First UMC-Grand Avenue for four years, a Methodist for forty-four years, and a member of GAUMC for fifteen years. She taught secondary English, Speech and Drama for thirteen years at McAlester Public Schools and coached a variety of sports including softball and cheerleading. She has served on many community boards and currently is the President of the Wanting Abstinence in Teens Coalition for Pittsburg County and the director of The Fellowship of Christian Athletes for MPS. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and has pursued graduate work at the University of Tulsa. Robin, her husband Steve, and their children Chase and Taylor, are all lifelong residents of McAlester.
Linda Dusenberry, Secretary & Minister of Music
Linda has been with First UMC-Grand Avenue for ten years in the capacity of organist and choir director. She taught music in the public schools for 21 years prior to this tenure. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, and has done graduate work at both NSU and the University of Tulsa. She added the hat of secretary in 2003 when the opening presented itself . Her first position as organist was at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Tulsa at the age of 12.
Ann Grilliot, Secretary
If you call on Wednesday or Friday morning you'll probably speak with Ann. She is a lifelong McAlester resident and member of First UMC.
Cara Bland, Financial Administrator
Cara is First UMC's financial administrator. She hails from Arkansas and is still greatly involved with the family business there. Her husband is a judge, and her children Eli and Ryli are students at McAlester High. Cara is active in the community, serving on many boards and committees.
Peggy McBeath, Outreach Coordinator & Children's Minister
Peggy has been with First UMC-Grand Avenue for 24 years; but is a life-long member of the United Methodist Church. She is working with the Outreach Ministry and Children's Programs.
An Oklahoma State University graduate, Peggy is a secondary Math education major working for McAlester Public Schools in the seventh and eighth grade level. Also, she teaches the Beginning and Intermediate Algebra Classes at Eastern Oklahoma State College, McAlester Campus. She has one daughter, Stefanie, who is married and lives in Ada.
Donna (Cox) Manning, Custodian
Donna maintains our facilities throughout the week. She is a native of Indianola and a great asset to our church.
