For nearly three decades, Kelly Stone has built her law enforcement career around one guiding principle: serving the community beyond the badge.

As lieutenant of the South Lake District office for the Lake County Sheriff, Kelly oversees the agency’s operations in Clermont, Minneola, Groveland and Mascotte. She says building meaningful relationships throughout the community allows her to better understand residents’ needs while serving with compassion and dedication.

Kelly is especially proud of the impact she has made throughout South Lake County during her nearly three-decade career. She began as a School Resource Deputy and has watched generations of local families grow while serving on boards including the Boys & Girls Club, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Mascotte Charter School.

She also coordinates Project Kid Connect, which provides backpacks and school supplies to students in need each year, and helps organize Shop with a Cop, helping provide Christmas for children who otherwise might go without.

While Kelly is proud of her career, she says her greatest personal accomplishment is her family. Her husband serves as a sergeant with the Clermont Police Department, and their daughter, Keileigh, is pursuing her nursing degree.

Kelly credits mentors Major David Pelton and Captain Michael Marden with shaping her leadership style throughout her career. Their guidance, she says, taught her to lead with integrity, accountability and compassion while giving her the confidence to take on increasingly challenging roles.

Her advice to future leaders is to lead with integrity, build trust through relationships and never lose sight of the people they serve.

“Leadership is about making a difference, not recognition,” Kelly says.