ABOUT KIDS CENTRAL

Our Leadership

Kids Central’s leaders and board members bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and professionalism to Central Florida’s Circuit 5. Their skills range from child welfare expertise to business innovation. Each member of our leadership team and board of directors is deeply dedicated to serving children and families with the excellence and compassion they deserve.

The board members of Kids Central are professionals with a proven record of compassion and community dedication. Representatives from each county Kids Central serves are on the board. The board members serve on at least one board committee and advocate to the Florida legislature concerning issues regarding children and families within the community.

Leadership Team

  • John Cooper

    Chief Executive Officer

  • John Aitken

    Chief Financial Officer

  • David Destefano

    Chief of Strategy

  • Shalonda McHenry-Sims

    Chief of Operations

  • Veraunda Jackson

    Chief Legal Counsel

BOARD MEMBERS

The board of directors are dedicated to the mission and values of Kids Central. They volunteer to better the lives of children and families in crisis in the communities where they reside.  We are grateful to have such an engaged and generous board of directors who give of their time, talent and treasure towards the betterment of Kids Central and the community of care we serve.

Board meetings are bi-monthly on the 4th Thursday of the month. Kids Central board meetings are open to the public, and if you choose to address the board of directors, you may do so by completing the form below and emailing it to the Administrative Assistant to the CEO. Past board minutes may also be reviewed at the link below.

  • Kevin McDonald

    Board Chairman – Marion County

  • Brad Rogers

    Vice Chairman – Marion County

  • Jim Nations

    Secretary/Treasurer – Sumter County

  • Diana Brown

    Lake County

  • Rachel Kaser

    Marion County

  • Anthony Piarulli

    Hernando County

  • Carly Sayles

    Lake County

  • Rebecca Schatt

    Marion County

  • Stephen Spivey

    Marion County

  • Elizabeth (Liz) Thompson

    Marion County

  • Chuck Troutman

    Sumter County