Bishop Ken Carter today announced that Rev. Debbie Allen will begin her appointment as superintendent of the South West District starting July 1, 2022. Rev. Allen will replace Rev. Thom Shafer who is retiring.
 

Rev. Debbie Allen

Rev. Allen was born on Castle AFB in California and grew up in eastern Hillsborough County, Florida. She is a certified spiritual director and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spiritual Direction from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Rev. Allen has been in pastoral ministry in the Florida Conference for 21 years, having served at several churches including Community UMC in Fruitland Park, where she currently co-pastors with her husband. She has also served on many district and Conference committees including as chair of the North Central DCOM, Florida Conference Residents in Ministry Program, and the Conference Relations Committee and as vice-chair of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. She was also elected as a member of the Florida Conference Delegation. 

“The Rev. Debbie Allen will give strong, effective and relational leadership as superintendent and missional strategist to the Southwest District,” said Bishop Ken Carter. “She has been a very effective leader in local churches and in the annual conference, most recently as vice-chair of the board of ordained ministry. She is respected by her peers and has served God’s people in different contexts. Her training in spiritual direction will also benefit those exploring callings and reflecting on transitions. I am excited about Debbie’s contribution to the Florida Conference cabinet and our shared work in the gospel.”

As superintendent of the Southwest District, Rev. Allen will serve 79 local churches in a geographical area that stretches from Bradenton and Sarasota to Marco Island.

Rev. Allen and her husband Daryl have been married for 22 years and are the parents of three boys. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading, yoga, spending time with her family and pets, and trying her hand at gardening.