Who We Are – Meet the Team that Makes the Dream Work

John Pease IV – Born and raised in Lake County, John heads up the Trust Department at The First National Bank of Mount Dora.  He is also the current Chair of the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce and Trustee of a number of local foundations and charities like the Mount Dora Community Trust and the W.T. Bland Jr. Charitable Trust.  Lake Cares has such a huge impact in our community, John was thrilled when asked to be a part of the team.

Heather McPherson is a former food editor, restaurant reviewer and multimedia journalist for the Orlando Sentinel. She handles press and media for the Millennium Management Group. Millennium owns and operates restaurants and entertainment complexes across the United States. The author of three cookbooks, she has co-written five others and edited three cookbooks.

“I am a Lake Cares Board Member because I want to use my time and skills to support the cause I care about.”

Chuck Babbino is the Campus Pastor at Real Life Christian Church in Mount Dora. Chuck is involved with Lake Cares because meeting physical needs and combatting hunger is part of what living out the ways of Jesus looks like.

As President of Blackston Financial Group, Kyle lends his expertise to the Lake Cares Board as well as often donating his time supporting Lake Cares events. Kyle’s commitment and service to the Lake County community is demonstrated in all aspects to his work on the Lake Cares Board.

In addition to her seat as Chairman and her fourth term on the Board of the Lake County Commissioners, District 4, she is a dedicated attorney and having made a significant impact through her leadership role in service to her community. Serving on many boards throughout her career, Leslie lends her strong leadership, education and gained knowledge in her role on the Lake Cares Board while maintaining her commitment to its mission.

Willie Hawkins is a longtime resident of Eustis, Florida and currently serves as a City of Eustis Mayor.  Willie has spent the majority of his life dedicated to public service. He has recently retired as a Supervisory Special Agent who served over twenty-six years with the Department of Justice. Willie is a US military veteran having served in the US Air Force. He is actively involved in the Eustis community where he volunteers and supports youth education, sports, and music. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Saint Leo’s University.

Cathy Hoechst has lived, worked and volunteered in Mount Dora for 35 years. Previously she was an executive for Orlando Health and then President of the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce. She has served on Mount Dora city council as council woman, vice mayor and mayor.

Kristy is a life-long resident of Lake County and has been employed with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office since 1998. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working for six different Sheriffs in her role as Chief of Staff. She is a graduate of Leadership Lake County, Class of 2000.

In 2006, Kristy was honored to be the first recipient of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Dr. Thomas Cook Memorial Volunteer Award, a recognition that she holds dear. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Kristy serves as a Board Member for Lake Cares Food Pantry, where she continues her commitment to giving back to the community.

Kristy is married to Michael, a Captain with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Together, they have four children and two beautiful grandchildren, who bring immense joy to their lives.

Coming soon!

Bobby is a dedicated community leader and currently serves as an active representative to the board for the North Lake FCA. Bobby’s passion for outreach extends to his many roles in leadership. He continues to be the catalyst to transform and restore where there is need which makes him an important asset to the Lake Cares board and its mission.

Ben lends his leadership talents acquired through his education and his position as Wawa Divisional HR Business Partner to the Lake Cares board.