Meet our leadership
Say hello to the leadership team at Granbury FUMC. Got questions for the lead team?
Scott Youngblood - Senior Pastor
Dr. Scott Youngblood has served as Senior Pastor of nine churches in his 41 years of active ministry in the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Since he retired in 2018, he has served as Interim Pastor in seven churches including Granbury First United Methodist.
Dr. Scott is married to Kathey and they have two sons and two grandchildren. Their home is on Eagle Mountain Lake in northwest Fort Worth. Kathey is after school childcare during the week and is delighted to meet you on Sundays.
Dr. Scott will live in Granbury but return home at the end of each week to tend to their home and his marriage.
He is excited to journey with Granbury First UMC as the Central Texas Conference led by Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. and the CTC Cabinet where Rev. Danny Tenney is our District Superintendent collaborate to discern the Senior Pastor who will come to lead Granbury FUMC beginning July 1.
(817) 573-5573 ext 112
David Anavitarte - Worship & Music Ministry Director
I have dedicated my life to giving God all the glory through the art of music. My musical journey began at age seven. The piano was my first musical instrument. I spent many evenings in Philadelphia, watching the Philadelphia Orchestra rehearse as a child. I have a passion for music and musical excellence.
I am supported in ministry by my love and wife, Kathy. We have two children, Donielle and Devin as well as our son-in-law William Halvorsen and a granddaughter Katelynne. Besides my ministry at Granbury First United Methodist Church, I am the Music Director and Conductor of the Brazos Chamber Orchestra and the Bosque Chorale.
I attribute my understanding of the choral and orchestral sound to my mentor, teacher, and good friend, the late Maestro Paul Salamunovich, who died on April 3, 2014.
(817) 573-5573 ext 138
Psalm 44:8 "In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name forever."Jason Ivie - Student & Family Ministry Director
Caitlan Leblo - Children's Ministry Director
Caitlan began working at Granbury FUMC in 2007 as the youth and children’s ministries intern. During that time, she led children’s summer camps, directed children’s choir, organized children’s musicals, helped with youth choir and Wednesday night youth activities, and went on mission trips. After graduating from TCU with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, Caitlan went on to teach middle school theatre for 9 years here in Granbury. In June of 2022, she felt led to go back to the church and her elementary education roots, and became the Children’s Ministry Director here at Granbury FUMC full-time. This change also blessed her with the amazing opportunity to work alongside her husband Josh, and freed up more time to spend with her wonderful children, Aria and Elijah. When she’s not working or singing on the praise team at church, Caitlan can be seen on stage or music directing at the Granbury Opera House and the Plaza Theatre in Cleburne.
(817) 573-5573 ext 101
Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven."Josh Leblo - IT & Communications Director
Josh joined the church family as Youth Ministry Director in 2013 and is now the IT and Communications Director. Josh has been married to his wife Caitlan for 11 years and together they have a beautiful daughter, Aria, and a wonderful son, Elijah. In his free time, Josh enjoys fishing, camping, identifying snakes, and being outdoors. He can also be seen onstage, from time to time, at the Granbury Opera House and the Plaza Theatre in Cleburne.
(817) 573-5573 ext 104
“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.”Tricia Morales - Finance & HR Director
I live in Granbury, but I'm originally from Massachusetts. Most of my career has been in finance and Human Resources in the Non-Profit sector. I have two grown children. My hobbies include travel, cooking, and gardening.
(817) 573-5573 ext 102
Psalm 18:2 "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."Wendy Valenta - Church Operations Director
Wendy joined Granbury First as the Church Operations Director in 2022. She is a graduate of Tarleton State University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a minor in Interior Design. When she is not at work she enjoys attending her children's sporting events, cheering on the Texas Rangers, fishing and hunting with her children, exploring the creeks and woods on her family's ranch, and cooking for family and friends.
(817) 573-5573 ext 109
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."