Board of Directors
Major David Pelton was born and grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. He moved to Lake County with his parents in 1987. After graduating from high school, he completed his basic law enforcement training at the Lake Technical Center in Eustis. David was hired by the Lake County Sheriff's Office in 1994, and has worked various job assignments to include: Corrections, Criminal Investigations, Uniform Patrol, Field Training Officer, and Crisis Negotiations Team Commander.
Major Pelton has received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Columbia College. He is also a graduate of the 126th Administrative Officers Course at the University of Louisville's Southern Police Institute and the FBI National Academy Session 276, Quantico Virginia. David is a high Liability instructor in Taser, Defensive Tactics, Firearms and Driving.
Major Pelton assumed the role as the Lake County Sheriff’s Charities President in March of 2025.
David married his wife Evelyn in 1995, and they have three children and eight grandchildren.
President
Major David Pelton
John began his career in the financial services industry in 1996.
He moved to Mount Dora and joined Edward Jones in 2012.
From estate considerations to charitable giving, John can help you grow your wealth, protect your legacy, and create a lasting impact in your community.
He also helps nonprofit organizations with their planned giving efforts and helps educate donors on strategies that complement their larger estate plan and leaving gifts that are impactful.
He served in the United States Air Force as an F-16 crew chief during the Gulf War.
He currently serves as vice president of the Lake County Sheriff's Charities and sits on Advent Health's Finance Committee
He also works with the Florida Association of School Resource Officers, The Kiwanis Club of Mount Dora, Lake Cares Food Pantry, The Library Collective and many more organizations.
He lives in Mount Dora with my wife, Christine Williams Stewart, Esq., vice president of Pruett-Williams Insurance, who is a Mount Dora native, and their rescue husky, Apollo.
Vice President
John Stewart
Kate R. Smith serves as Executive Board Treasurer for Lake County Sheriff’s Charities, bringing more than 20 years of experience in governmental, nonprofit, and public-sector financial management. As Director of Finance for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, she helps lead financial operations for a $140+ million governmental entity, overseeing budgeting, long-range financial planning, compliance, audits, internal controls, and strategic financial reporting. She is known for her accuracy, accountability, and collaborative leadership in supporting executive teams and governing boards.
Throughout her career, Kate has remained deeply committed to service-driven organizations. In addition to her role with the Charities, she previously served as Executive Board Treasurer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake & Sumter Counties and as a board member for the Education Foundation of Lake County. Her leadership has contributed to multiple state and national recognitions for excellence in nonprofit governance and service.
Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Florida with triple majors in Accounting, Finance, and Marketing. She is a Certified Grant Writer and Certified Grant Reporter, a QuickBooks Pro Advisor, and a CPA and CGFO candidate.
Beyond her professional life, Kate’s faith is the foundation of her commitment to servant leadership and community impact. She is a devoted mother who treasures time with her children and enjoys supporting their interests — especially dance and taekwondo. She is an avid reader and lifelong animal lover who believes strongly in compassion, integrity, and giving back.
Kate is honored to support the mission of Lake County Sheriff’s Charities and remains dedicated to strengthening the organization’s financial stewardship in service to the community.
Treasurer
Kate Smith
Dr. Isaac B. Deas II
Pastor: New Bethel Community Church, Summerfield, Fl Therapist- last 26 years in Lake County- Deas Consulting Retired from Cornerstone Hospice, Tavares, Fl. -19 years Retired from LifeStream- Substance Abuse Counselor- 7 years Board Member- Lake Tech College, Eustis, Fl-14 years(current) Member: NAACP/Community Pastors Assoc/FEMA
Past Board Member- Lake Sumter Community College President: Advocating 4 Kids, Inc. (non- profit) - 20 years
Dr. Deas has served on the Lake County Sheriff’s Charities Board of Directors since June of 2017.
Board of Director
Larry Baker
Larry Baker is the President of Main Street Leasing, a commercial property company located in the heart of downtown Mount Dora. A deeply committed community advocate, he has led Main Street Leasing in supporting numerous local causes, including schools, veterans' organizations, the food pantry, animal shelter, and first responders—reflecting his belief that a thriving downtown is the heart and soul of the community. Outside of the office, Larry is also an accomplished competitive shooter.
Board of Director
Cliff McMennamy
Captain Cliff McMennamy was born in Orlando, Florida, and grew up in Apopka before moving to North Lake County in 2001. In 2004, he attended the Police Academy and was hired by the Lake County Sheriff's Office in 2005. He has obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University and completed Saint Leo University’s Command Officer Management Program. As of the end of 2024, he has a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Columbia Southern University.
After being hired, Cliff Spent most of his career in the Patrol Bureau and as a Field Training Officer before he began to promote. After reaching the rank of Lieutenant, Cliff transferred to the Investigations Bureau before being appointed to Captain, where he remained in the bureau.
Cliff is married to his wife, Savannah, and has three daughters. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and fishing, a member of the Cassia Baptist Church, and a sitting member on the Lake County Sheriff's Charities.
Board of Director
Kelsey Marquez is a communications professional with more than fifteen years of experience in graphic design and advertising across the public and private sectors. A lifelong Lake County resident, she was raised in Umatilla and now resides in Mount Dora, maintaining strong personal and professional ties to the community she serves.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from Full Sail University. Kelsey currently serves in the public sector and is the owner of an advertising and graphic design business, where she leads branding and marketing strategy for a diverse range of clients.
Kelsey is actively involved in community service and nonprofit leadership. She has served on the Kiwanis board of directors, volunteered with the Lake County Supervisor of Elections, and currently serves on the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Lake Chapter and Lake County Museum of Art.
She is deeply committed to public service and community engagement, with a focus on initiatives that strengthen local partnerships and support meaningful impact. Her involvement with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Charities reflects her dedication to supporting law enforcement professionals and enhancing the communities they serve.
Board of Director