Michael has served as the Lead Pastor at First West since 2014. Michael and Abby came to First West from Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas in 2009 to serve as the Student Pastor. After serving five years as the Student Pastor, he stepped into the Lead Pastor role. 

Michael’s heart is to see people changed by the Gospel and help them live out their Christ-centered purpose. His desire is to see to it that no one misses the grace of God. 

Michael was licensed to the ministry at Faith Baptist Church in Wichita Falls, Texas, and ordained at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. He went to Oklahoma Baptist University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Ministry. He also earned a Master of Arts degree in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently working on his Doctorate of Ministry degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

He enjoys playing sports of all kinds, hunting (especially turkey hunting), fishing, and pulling for the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. Michael and Abby are the proud parents of Gavin, Cannon, Asher, and Karis. 

Tim serves as Executive Pastor at First West, previously serving on the Senior Team at Collierville FBC outside Memphis, Tennessee for over fifteen years. Tim also served as adjunct instructor of Organizational Leadership and Communication at Union University’s Department of Continuing Studies in Jackson, Tennessee, for ten years.

As Executive Pastor, Tim oversees day-to-day operations and provides leadership to First West ministries and staff.

Tim says, “It’s incredible to be a part of what God is doing at First West! Suzy and I are excited about working with Lead Pastor Michael Wood and the entire leadership team to share God’s love in Northeast Louisiana, New Orleans and the world. We are praying for great things. Things that only God can do. We have the faithful expectation that First West will be energized for Christ-centered worship, community and service.”

Tim earned a B.A. from Union University, M.A. in Communication and Educational Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and M.A. in Public Policy from Regent University.

Tim and his wife, Suzy, have been married for 25 years.  Together they have three children—William, Daniel and Katie. Tim’s hobbies include home projects, classic movies, American history and basketball.

Frank Valenzano was raised in West Monroe. He joined the First West Team in May 2018 as the Fairbanks Campus Pastor after 15 years in the Baton Rouge area. Frank earned a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Louisiana at Monroe as well as a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is in the final stages of completing his Doctor of Ministry at NOBTS. He has also served churches in student ministry, music ministry, and as the lead planter of One Life Church. Frank and his wife, Anne, live in Sterlington with their three children Abigail, Ethan, and Deacon. He enjoys seeing people grow in their relationship with Jesus and spending time with his family.

Debbie Robertson joined the First West team in October 1998, serving first in Student Ministry and later transitioning to the area of church administration. In addition to serving in the area of human resources, Debbie works closely with the Personnel Committee, Committee on Committees and Long Range Planning. A graduate of Louisiana Tech, Debbie enjoys time with her family, home improvement projects, writing and editing, and quilting.

Kelli has served at First West since June of 2014. She has a nursing background and has embraced this new role as her ministry during this season of life.

Kelli is married to Mark, and they have four children and two grandchildren.

She loves serving the Body of Christ as Michael’s Assistant. She also enjoys reading, having coffee and lunch dates with friends, and hanging out at home.

Connie Powell has been the financial director of First West since June 2001. She is a CPA and worked in public accounting for 17 years and industry for five years before transitioning to First West. She oversees the daily operations of the church’s finance office and directs two full-time assistants in the finance office, Brenda McPhearson and Jamie Chapman.

Connie’s dream is to have the finance office operating in such a way to free all the other ministries to reach more people for Christ.

Connie and her sister live in West Monroe with their two rescue dogs.

Brenda joined the First West Finance team in 2016.  She also married her husband Rick on January 1st of that same year.  Rick is the Minister of Administration and Education at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church where Brenda serves as Women’s Minister.  She teaches a women’s Bible Study class and enjoys singing in the choir.  They have 4 children and 7 grandchildren.

Todd joined the First West team in 2001 and currently serves as Director of the First West Counseling Center. He holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Louisiana Tech University. Todd is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), an LPC Supervisor (LPC-S), and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Todd’s desire is to see individuals, families, and marriages thrive through the hope and grace of the Gospel. In addition to counseling, Todd provides oversight to the ministries of Celebrate Recovery and GriefShare at First West. In his spare time, Todd enjoys various outdoor pursuits, sports, and spending time with his wife and two children.

Taylor joined the First West Counseling Center team in 2018 and serves as the Office Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University. In her spare time, Taylor enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and dog.