Candidate: Kevin J Roberts

  Kevin Roberts

                           Candidate for Highlands County Commission, District 1
                                             Proven Effective Leadership (1973-2023)

Quick Guide / Capsule Summary of Kevin’s Professional Experience and Education:

Elected County Commissioner, District 1 in November 2020

County Commission Certification - Graduation in June 2021

Advanced County Commission Certification in June 2023

Founder / Chairman of the Board – Champion for Children Foundation, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization established in 1994

For 23 years (1994-2017), Kevin served as the CEO / Founder of the Champion for Children Foundation. Under his guidance and leadership, many remarkable, community- wide initiatives were established that have changed the landscape of Highlands County, and have positively impacted the lives of thousands of children and families that include:

• Successful Initiatives: Children Advocacy Center; Safe House for battered women, and their children; Ila and Kinsley Cox Living Memorial Fund (assistance for seriously ill or injured children or parents); Lindsey’s Wish, serving children with cancer; Health, Vision and Hearing Quest for Children.
• Oversaw the complete restoration of the historic Circle Theatre in downtown Sebring from 2009 - 2013 

Sixteen (16) years of management and administrative experience (1991-2007) with Highlands County government, serving as the Director of Human Services for the Board of County Commission. Through his work with the county, Kevin gained tremendous insight into the inner workings of county government while overseeing the county’s health and human service programs. 

Eighteen (18) years with the Florida Department of Children and Families, seven (7) years in management. 

Thirty-seven (37) years of experience in management and administration (public & private sectors).

Republican since 1982

Numerous leadership awards and honors:

•      Humanitarian Award (1995) by Men of Vision;
•      Child Advocate of the Year Award (1997) by Children’s Home Society;
•      Citizen of the Year (1998) by Avon Park Chamber of Commerce; 
•      Voted Top Citizen by News-Sun (1999);
•      Peace at Home – 1st place-awarded by Governor Jeb Bush (2005);
•      Citizen of the Year (2007) by United Way - Highlands County Division;
•      Outstanding Community Service (2007) by Highlands County Commission;
•      Historic Preservation Award (2014) by the Daughters of American Revolution;
•      Soaring Eagle Award (2014) by the Boy Scouts of America;
•      Citizen of the Year Award (2015) by Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce;
•      Lifetime Achievement Award (2019) by Champion for Children Foundation;
•      Presented with the the Bud Cramer Advocacy Award from the National Children's Alliance in June 2021. The national award is presented each year to only one elected official.  

Additional Biographical Information:

Bachelor’s degree in 1972, Master’s degree in 1981.
Happily married to Debbie Allison Roberts for 51 years.
Three daughters and son-In-law: Hollie Roberts, Kati Pippin, Amy and Eric Zwayer.
Seven grandchildren residing in Highlands County.
As a hobby, Kevin teaches American History to his grandchildren.
Committed Christian who worships at Bible Fellowship Church in Sebring.
Moved to Highlands County in 1975

          Kevin Roberts, Candidate for Highlands County Commission, District 1
                                          1155 S. Hickory Trail, Avon Park, Fl 33825
                                                               Cell: 863-381-4040