Meet Our Board of Directors
Deb Downing
Board Chair
Ms. Downing retired as the Deputy Director of Programs and Services for Job and Family Services in Dayton, OH. Deb has over 35 years of experience in child welfare as a social worker, administrator and educator. She currently serves as a volunteer for several community organizations including the Highlands County Children's Services Council, Highlands County Healthy Families, and the United Way. Her experience in child welfare and community involvement makes Ms. Downing an asset to Heartland for Children's Board and mission.
Dina Russell
Board Secretary
Captain Russell has been employed with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office since 2006. She currently serves as Captain over the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, including the Special Victims Section, investigating child abuse and missing children’s cases. Cpt. Russell has a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of South Florida and is a graduate of the 146th Administrative Officer’s Course from the Southern Police Institute. Her experience and dedication in keeping our community safe is an asset to the Board of Directors.
Gwinnell Brant
Board Member
Gwinnell Brant brings experience, expertise, and passion to the Board of Directors. She is a seasoned leader and professional, having retired from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office after serving her community for 33 years in multiple civilian and command staff roles, including Aide to the Sheriff, Director of Professional Compliance, and Director of Mental Health Services. As Chief Executive Officer of Brant Strategic Consulting Group, Gwinnell provides executive leadership training, strategic planning facilitation, and leadership consulting services to public safety and non-profit organizations. She holds a Doctorate of Strategic Leadership through Liberty University and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Troy University.
Board Member
Ms. Pasco is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Information, Systems, and Technology for the Polk County School Board. She previously served as the Asst. Superintendent and Executive Director of Innovation and Digital Learning in Illinois, along with various positions and certifications in educational leadership & technology. Her experience and passion in digital equality for all students, regardless of their background, along with her involvement and leadership in the educational community will bring great value to Heartland for Children’s Board.
Anne Pasco
Board Member
Korey Bush
Korey Bush serves as the Assistant General Manager of Customer Service at Lakeland Electric. Over his 22-year career with the organization, Korey has advanced through a diverse range of operational roles, before stepping into his current leadership role in May 2022. Korey holds a bachelor's degree in Energy Management from Bismarck State College and an MBA from Louisiana State University-Shreveport. He is a member of the Lakeland Citrus Center Kiwanis Club. Korey brings a wealth of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the utility industry. His commitment to driving initiatives, while maintaining a strong focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences across all service areas will bring great value to Heartland for Children's Board.
Kara Lanpher
Board Member
Dr. Kara Lanpher is a board-certified family physician and owner of DirectMD, a direct primary care practice providing accessible healthcare to uninsured and underinsured populations of all ages. A Winter Haven native, she has extensive experience in community-based care through her volunteer role at The Haley Center, as well as in patient and physician advocacy at the state and national level representing the Florida Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Lanpher holds a degree in public relations and founded Wrapping Up Love, a decade-long project providing Christmas presents to hundreds of children in the greater Winter Haven area. Dr. Lanpher brings a lifelong commitment to service, governance expertise, and a passion for supporting children and families in foster care and at-risk communities, especially close to home in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties making her an asset to Heartland for Children's Board.
Board Member
Kylia Carswell serves as the Director of Parent & Family Engagement for Polk County Public Schools. Her career experience spans over 25 years and encompasses roles in education, child welfare, social services and family engagement. She is a native of Lakeland and is engrained in the community through her involvement with civic, professional and religious organizations. Kylia's commitment and love for volunteering and the community, and her experience make her a great value to Heartland for Children's Board.