Executive Director of Lake County Medical Society and We Care of Lake County, Inc.

About the organization: Lake County Medical Society is a membership organization of physicians. We Care of Lake County is the philanthropic arm of the Lake County Medical Society. It began 21 years ago in response to a need of services for uninsured adults, in particular specialty services. It operates as a referral service between clinics and volunteer specialists. We Care also offers Emergency Room Diversion, providing services before the situation becomes critical, preventing the need for an expensive emergency room visit. Last year, the value of care was $4 million.

Guilty Pleasure: A nice Cabernet with good friends and conversation. My secret guilty pleasure is Mardi Gras.

Last Book Read: Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline.

Something nobody knows about me: At 53, I ran a marathon. I was an avid runner at the time. Also, I hail from Louisiana, a small town called Houma, just outside New Orleans.

In Five Years: I will still be working in Central Florida in the job I have. I love it here. This is where I belong.

Pet Peeve: People who won’t listen. Not to my advice. I mean, while having a conversation, they have to keep talking and they do not hear you. I enjoy conversations that go both ways.

I spend a lot of time: with friends, my children, and grandchildren. I have also been a member of a dragon boat team for the past four years. I am the drummer, keeping the beat for the 20-person team: We Be Dragon, sponsored by Ameriprice, in Tavares. I love it.

Big Goals: I have a very big goal for We Care. We are launching a new medical equipment reclamation program in September called We Share. The program accepts donations of major medical equipment, which is then made available to anyone in need. It is patterned after a program in West Palm, which is mentoring our local program. We Share will be a major benefit to the community. We have already donated a wheelchair to a 92-year-old woman in need just last week.

A love for Lake: I enjoy visiting each lake in the county. I have a strong passion for the water. I am especially drawn to two particular lakes. I drive by Lake Dora almost daily. I also drive by Lake Elsie, in Tavares. My grandmothers’ names were Elsie and Dora.

Proudest Achievement: Being married 45 years to the love of my life, John.

PHOTO: Fred Lopez