BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Steven Pacheco brings over four decades of distinguished law enforcement experience to his role as Executive Director of the Lakeland Police Foundation. A respected leader in the community, Steven retired in July 2025 as Assistant Chief of Police with the Lakeland Police Department, capping a 40-year career marked by dedication, integrity, and service.

For the past seven years, Steven has served as the Foundation’s President and Board Chair, providing steady leadership and vision. In his new role, he is committed to expanding the Foundation’s mission to better support its members, enhance existing programs, and create new opportunities for engagement and impact.

As Executive Director, Steven serves as a key liaison between the Foundation and the City of Lakeland’s citizens and business community, in an effort to foster partnerships that strengthen public safety and community well-being. His goal is to grow the Foundation’s reach and ensure it continues to be a vital resource for agency retirees, current members of the Lakeland Police Department, their families, and the citizens they serve.

Assistant Chief Pacheco graduated from Saint Leo University with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and is a graduate of the   

University of Louisville, Southern Police Institute, Administrative Officers Course.

steven.pacheco@lakelandgov.net   Phone: 863-698-0355

Dr. Donna McWilliams is the current owner and chief medial officer at My Pet's Animal Hospital here in Lakeland. A certified veterenarain since 2002, Donna has called Lakeland home for the last eight years. Donna is involved in various community groups and activities such as the Chamber of Commerce, ABWA, BNI, The Lakeland Rotary Club, Lakeland Business Leaders, and the Lakeland Runners Club.  Dr. Donna is also currently serving as the President of the Ridge Veterinary Medical Association.

drdonna@floridavet.com   Phone:  863-646-3669

 Rick was born and raised in Lakeland, and worked for 33 years as a sworn law enforcement officer at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office where he rose to the rank of Captain of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations. He retired in 2016 and a year later became a Financial Advisor employed by CPS Investment Advisors in Lakeland, specializing in public sector retirement systems. 

Rick graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Organizational Management from Warner University in 2005 and earned his MBA at Florida Southern College in 2008. He is a Florida Certified Public Manager (CPM), and a graduate of the prestigious Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officer Course and Police Executive Leadership Graduate Program. Rick has been married for 28 years and has 2 children. 

rick@cpsinvest.com  Phone:  863-688-1725

Pat is the Retired Treasurer for the City of Lakeland and had worked for the City since 1985. Pat was responsible for the collection of all monies owed the City of Lakeland. Pat was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. He holds Bachelor of Science Degrees in both Accounting, from University of South Florida, and Management from Florida State University.

pat.alderman@lakelandgov.net     Phone:  863-648-7581

Mike Wiener is a partner at Holland & Knight law firm, practicing in the area of public finance and business law. In the community, Mr. Wiener has been involved with the United Way of Central Florida Young Leaders, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Emerge Lakeland (Founding Member), Camp Fire USA Sunshine Council (Past President) and Junior Achievement.

michael.wiener@hklaw.com     Phone:  863-499-5362

Michele "Mick" Pugliese is the owner of Il Forno Italian Restaurant in Lakeland. Michele has been a long time supporter of the Lakeland Police Department and its members. On many occasions, Michele has facilitated fund raising events to assist LPD members in need. Since September 2014, Michele has been a valued member of the Lakeland Police Foundation Board of Directors. 

mick772010@live.com   Phone: 863-607-6030

Prior to entering law enforcement, Ofc. Strom served five years in the United States Marine Corps, where he earned the rank of sergeant. Ofc. Strom's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (Park University) and Master of Business Administration (Saint Leo University).

After being discharged from the military, Eric worked for the Social Security Administration from 2014 to 2018, where he guided applicants of retirement and disability benefits. Eric then became a police officer and deputy sheriff in Georgia for approximately five years, where he served as a patrol officer, deputy sheriff, K-9 handler, and a K-9 handler sergeant. Eric joined the Lakeland Police Department in March 0f 2018, where he now serves as a neighborhood liaison officer, field training officer, general instructor, drone operator, recruiting team member, and a member of the bike team. In addition to his duties as a police officer, Eric has also taught as an adjunct instructor at the police academy and now serves on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s advisory team for the State of Florida. 

eric.strom@lakelandgov.net   Phone: 813-495-2857

Eddie Maldonado is a seasoned strategic partnerships leader with over 20 years of experience across government, defense, and nonprofit sectors, with a deep commitment to public service, community safety, and veteran reintegration. A former U.S. Army medic assigned to the 160th Military Police Battalion USAR, Eddie’s professional journey has consistently centered on service, both on the front lines and through systems-level leadership that strengthens communities.

While completing his military service, Eddie earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College and went on to serve in impactful roles at supporting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Walmart, and other top-tier defense and technology firms. In each of these roles, he led initiatives focused on building cross-sector alliances, solving complex problems, and advancing outcomes for veterans and underserved populations.

Most recently, Eddie has served as Director of Strategic Partnerships at VetNet Ocala, where he developed and led collaborations with government agencies, corporate stakeholders, and community organizations to support transitioning service members through employment, education, and holistic reintegration programs.

Eddie brings a unique blend of lived experience, operational strategy, and a strong belief in mission-driven work. His understanding of public service and systems of trust—shaped by his time in the military and across government agencies positions him to contribute meaningfully to the foundation’s mission of enhancing community safety, supporting officers, and fostering collaborative solutions between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

eddie@ecmconsultancy.com   Phone:  863-529-1431

Jim Luffman spent his career helping people and businesses avoid common financial mistakes. He retired in 2024 from CPS Investment Advisors where he focused on helping individuals achieve financial independence and teaching other CPAs how to practice the art of financial planning so that their clients can achieve financial independence. He served as Chairman of the Board for the firm and was a frequent speaker on investments, financial planning, retirement planning, and practice management. He enjoyed helping other CPAs make the transition from traditional tax services into financial planning and wealth management. 

Jim received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida State University and began his career ln Washington D.C. with American Security Bank before joining CPS in 1986. He is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Florida and has earned the Personal Financial Specialist credential granted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. 

Jim enjoys serving in the community. He is a past President and Chairman of the Board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland and Mulberry, past President of the Polk Chapter of the Florida Institute of CPA's and is also past member of the Florida Board of Accountancy Specialization Advisory Committee. Jim is a director for the Polk Chapter of the Florida Institute ofCPAs. Personal accomplishments include­swimming three miles in the Tampa Bay Frogman to benefit the Navy Seal Foundation. In his retirement, he has started volunteering with the IRS' volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) program and did over 100 returns during the 2025 tax season. He also volunteers with the United Way of Central Florida in Development for large gifts ( over $10,000). For relaxation, be swims and raises beef cattle in a cow/calf operation in Hardee County. 

gemluff335@gmail.com   Phone:  863-604-1293