Gary Kennedy
Central West District Staff
District Superintendent
Reverend Gary Kennedy
Rev. Kennedy came to the West District in 2007 after serving the First United Methodist Church of Gilbert for ten years. Before First Gilbert U.M.C., Gary served the dual role of being the Director of The Wesley Foundation at Arizona State University and serving as an associate pastor at The First United Methodist Church of Tempe for seven years. Prior to that, he served as pastor of the Community United Methodist Church of Avondale for four years. His first appointment was as associate pastor at Paradise valley UMC where he served primarily as a youth and young adult pastor for four years.
Gary grew up in Santa Paula, California where his family was active in the El Buen pastor UMC. It was as an eighth grader that Gary first felt the call to ministry. He graduated from Ventura, California State University, Fresno and Claremont School of Theology.
Gary is no stranger to the West District. While serving the Community Church of Avondale, he worked with the old West District Council of Ministries as the Youth Coordinator for the District. In this capacity, Gary visited many West District churches on District wide youth events.
Gary is married to Debbie. She works for the Arizona Department of Public Safety as a Forensic Criminalist. Her greatest enjoyment comes from being a mother.
Daughter Alyssa is married to Alex Jones and they both work in the entertainment industry in Southern California.
Daughter Sherilyn is a graduate of t The University of Arizona. She is now helping in the Communications Office of the Desert Southwest Conference.
Daughter Megan continues to enjoy gymnastics.
Daughter Hannah enjoys dance and gymnastics.
Administrative Assistant
Janet Keffer
Janet has worked for the Desert Southwest Conference for 23 years. She started as Administrative Assistant for the Central East District, and then was assigned to both the Central East and Central West District. Eight years ago, when the West District Office moved to Sun City and the East District to Mesa, she chose to work in the West which is closer to her home.
Janet married Michael Keffer in 2000 and they live in Sun City West with their dog Pepper. Between them, they have three grown children and 3 grandchildren.
Janet's father was a Presbyterian Minister and Janet grew up in the church. She and Michael are members of Desert Palm Presbyterian in Sun City West. She and Michael are both active church members and have served as both Elders and Deacons in the Presbyterian Church.
