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, Police Executive Leadership Graduate Program. 

steven.pacheco@lakelandgov.net   Phone:  863.834.6926

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 Treasurer for the City of Lakeland and has worked for the City since 1985 and is 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

In November 1987, Keith Bennett joined the City of Lakeland's Fleet Management Motor Pool as an Auto Mechanic III, where he was responsible for the maintenance and up-fitting on all new police cars. In 2006, Keith transitioned from the city to the Lakeland Police Department where he served as agency's Facilities and Fleet Coordinator,  in charge of the maintenance, buildings projects, and the agency's fleet of 375 vehicles. In addition, Keith also worked with the agency's traffic Homicide Unit as the lead inspector of all vehicles involved in traffic homicides.  Keith served the City of Lakeland for over 30 years and upon his retirement joined the Lakeland Police Foundation Board. 

ktbennett88@outlook.com    Phone:  863.999.5273