Lakes Education Action Drive Works to Protect Area Water Resources

The Lakes Education Action Drive (LEAD) Board of Directors recently met to select leadership for the upcoming year and consider adoption of their 2021-2022 Fiscal Year Budget.

"While COVID-19 affected us all," said LEAD Executive Director Danny Kushmer, "many programs were cancelled. LEAD was able to finish the year financially sound."

The group has served Polk County for more than 30 years and is responsible for the many familiar blue signs on storm drains reminding residents that the drains lead to area lakes. Pollution prevention begins with homeowner education.

"Moving forward, the board has adopted a strong budget," Kushmer said, "believing the effects of COVID-19 will lessen allowing us to spend our resources educating visitors and residents once again in Polk County of the importance of our lakes," rivers, and streams.

At the meeting the Board voted to elect their slate of officers for the 2021-2022 term, including Mary Thornhill, who was elected President. Mary is the Natural Resources Specialist with the City of Winter Haven and previously served as LEAD's Vice-President.

Lance Lumbard was elected Vice-President. Lance is a Project Manager at Wood Environment & Infrastructure, Inc and CEO at 3D4ME, LLC. Tom Jennings will continue to serve the group as Treasurer. Tom is a CPA and owner of Tom E. Jennings & Company CPA PA in Winter Haven. He is a founding member of LEAD. Jacqueline Hollister will remain as Secretary. Jacqueline is an Environmental Specialist with Polk County Utilities.

Like Polk County and her 17 Municipalities, LEAD's Fiscal Year runs from October 1st through September 30th.

For more information on LEAD, please visit lakeseducation.org. They also are present on social media including Facebook and Instagram.