Meet Our Leadership Team
Doug Libertore
Founder and Chair
Doug Libertore is the Chairman of 1 Health Place International and has a long history of successful business ventures, including the sale of his company, Financial Insurance Management Corporation. Following this, Doug founded The Brain Wave Center to assist adults and children with mental and behavioral challenges. His passion for philanthropy led him to establish The Libertore Fund for Children with his son, Scott. Doug’s vision and leadership continue to drive the foundation’s mission to support and uplift at-risk children.
Doug is a Christian who lives in Sarasota, Florida. He enjoys rollerblading, snow skiing, biking, walking on the beach, and spending time with his family.
D. Scott Libertore
President
Scott Libertore is a successful businessman and entrepreneur and knows the importance of the impact that our future generation will have on our communities. He has always been deeply passionate about charity work, dedicating his time and efforts to organizations like the YMCA and the All Star Children’s Foundation before founding The Libertore Fund for Children. With a steadfast commitment to transforming the lives of at-risk children, Scott’s work is driven by a belief that every child deserves the chance to achieve a brighter future. His mission is to provide these children with the opportunities and resources they need to break the cycle of adversity and create lives full of promise and potential.
Timothy J. DeBruyne
Secretary & Treasurer
Tim is a Partner at The Mosaic Financial Group in Chicago, IL, and a CPA with over 20 years of tax experience, including five years at a big four accounting firm and 15 years with The Mosaic Financial Group. He holds an Accounting degree from the University of Notre Dame and works extensively with closely-held businesses, wealthy family groups, and Fortune 500 executives in tax compliance and consulting, financial planning, business succession planning, and estate planning. Tim is married with two boys, ages 9 and 7. He enjoys traveling, amateur cooking, and is actively involved in his local parish and parish school.
Sheriff Susan Benton
Board Member
Susan Benton, retired Highlands County Sheriff, was born and raised in Miami-Dade County. Following her great grandfather, a former Chief of Police in St. Augustine, she served over 30 years in law enforcement, beginning as a police officer in Dade County schools and becoming the first female elected sheriff in Florida. She holds a BA in Administration of Justice from St. Thomas University, a Master of Public Administration from Troy State University, and a Certified Public Manager from Florida State University, along with numerous advanced law enforcement training certificates. Susan has two grown children and three grandchildren, enjoys retirement between Sebring and Ft. Pierce, and remains active in her Catholic church and community. She is proud of the honors received for her work, especially those involving children.
Lana Libertore Swartzwelder
CEO
Lana Swartzwelder, a lifelong educator and businesswoman, has been dedicated to educating students and working with families and children for over 40 years. As CEO of her family foundation, she continues to impact children in need. Lana has served on numerous boards, committees, and task forces, advocating for children, writing grants, evaluating youth programs, and partnering nonprofits with businesses. Her extensive experience includes roles such as President of LJS Learning Solutions, Principal of St. Joseph Academy, and Owner/Executive Director of Sylvan Learning Centers. She holds degrees in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Educational Leadership. Active in organizations like Leadership Lakeland Alumni, Leadership Polk Alumni, and the Kiwanis Club of Lakeland, Lana has received awards such as Educator of the Year and Women of Distinction. Her presentations span multiple prestigious conferences, reflecting her commitment to making a difference in children’s lives.
Annette Miller
Advisor
Annette Miller was born in New York, lived in Puerto Rico for ten years, and has resided in Lakeland for thirty-eight years. She graduated from Southeastern University in 1984 and taught elementary and middle school students in Polk County for ten years, also working part-time at a Sylvan Learning Center. Inspired by individualized instruction, Annette opened her own Sylvan center in 1994 and owned four centers, guiding students across several counties to their maximum academic potential for over twenty-five years. Annette is deeply involved in her community and church, where she actively participates and contributes. Family is central to her life; she loves spending time with her husband, Doug, their two children, Juliana and Christopher, and their daughter-in-law, Carly.
Candice Brown
Advisor
Candice Brown, M.S. MFT, has been involved in early childhood and teen advocacy since high school, volunteering with Dreams are Free in Sarasota, The BETA Center for teen mothers in Orlando, and in elementary classrooms. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. Her internship with the SUPERB anti-bullying program in Broward County schools highlighted the needs of underserved children and families, leading her to work for The Starting Place, a community-based mental health nonprofit in South Florida. Focusing on foster care advocacy, Candice continues to support children and families across Florida. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and four children, one of whom they are adopting through foster care.
Larry Libertore
An inspiration to his family. His advice and love for the foundation will continue as we grow.
Larry Libertore had a varied career history as an entrepreneur, politician, community leader, motivational speaker, mentor and coach.
He was born in Ohio and moved to Miami, Florida with his family and attended Miami Edison High School. He left Miami to attend the University of Florida on an athletic scholarship. While studying at UF, he was starting quarterback, safety and punt returner for the team from 1960-62. He was one of the smallest players in major college football and one of the fastest. As the quarterback and leader of the team, he led the Gators to one of the best seasons on record, 9-2, including a Gator Bowl victory. He was a talented athlete and won many awards and accolades during and after his football career.
- Most Athletic, Greater Miami Outstanding Player (High School)
- Recognized All-City, All-State, All-Southern, All-American (High School)
- Three-Year Letterman, UF
- Football SEC Sophomore of the Year
- Honorable Mention All American
- SEC All-Scholastic Team
- Most Valuable Player, Gator Bowl
- An inductee of the Gator Bowl Hall of Fame and UF Athletic Hall of Fame
- Recognized as Distinguished Alumni
Larry moved to Lakeland after graduating from college in 1963 and organized Lakeland’s first professional football team, The Florida Brahmans. He then partnered in a real estate venture and was Vice-President of Loftin-Libertore, Inc. In 1974, he opened his own real estate firm, Larry Libertore, Inc. that focused on commercial, residential, development, and investment counseling. His company was a partner in an exclusive residential golf community and oversaw the residential development. Larry was also president of ADLIB, Inc., a builder of residential homes, townhouses, and commercial buildings.
Larry shared his leadership qualities, many of which he attributes to his coaches and being a part of a team, to be a game changer in the citizens of Florida. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives and served from 1970-1974. Later, in 1984, he continued his political career as a Polk County Commissioner until 1992. Larry and a partner developed two professional office parks in Lakeland. He enjoyed spending his time between his two homes in Lakeland and Longboat Key, Florida.
Larry was active in his community and believed in using his experience and leadership skills to make a difference in the lives of others. He was past president of Lakeland South Rotary, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, board of directors, past director of Polk County Chapter of UF Alumni Association, Division Leader of Lakeland YMCA Membership Campaign, Campaign Director for Polk County Chapter of March of Dimes, member of Lakeland Board of Realtors and Florida Board of Realtors, and Lakeland Gators Football Team of Polk County Boys League.
Larry continued to give back and give to charities during his years in Lakeland; such as VISTE, American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Good Shepherd Hospice, Peace River Center, Salvation Army, Talbot House Ministries, Speech and Hearing Center, Lighthouse Ministries, and American Cancer Society.
