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Executive Team
Larry G. Williams, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer and President
View Larry’s Bio
Larry Williams joined Peace River Center in May 2022 and serves as Chief Executive Officer and President. Larry accepted the role after a remarkable 34-year career at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, with 17 of those years in senior and executive management. Larry’s commitment to this community started at a young age as he worked his way through every rank from part-time Deputy Sheriff to Chief of the Department of Law Enforcement. Larry has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Troy University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from Warner University, and an Associate’s Degree from Polk State College. He is a graduate of the Florida State University’s Certified Public Manager Program, the FBI National Academy Class 260, the Southern Police Institute 114th Administrative Officers Course, and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP). Throughout his career and personal investment in our community, he has witnessed, firsthand, the impact of mental health needs and crises, how substance abuse destroys lives and how victim services can restore a person’s sense of value to allow them to take charge of their future, and how stigma plays a role in accessing care.
Candace Barnes, LMHC CBHCMS-AC
Chief Operating Officer and Vice President
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Candace Barnes joined Peace River Center in 2007 and serves as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President. Candace is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southeastern University and a Master of Science in Counseling from Webster University. Candace has a long history of service in community mental health. Prior to her current role, she was Senior Director of Clinical Services at Peace River Center providing oversight to 14 clinical programs and 130 clinical staff. She serves as Chair of the PRC Clinical Services Committee, serves on the agency Quality Council, and has been an ongoing champion for clinical improvements and system enhancements to client care and professional staff development. Prior to this position, Candace was the Director of Outpatient Services responsible for managing a staff of 28 outpatient therapists across 10 locations in PRC’s three-county service area. In addition, she has also held the positions of Resiliency Team Leader, TBOS Therapist, School-Based Therapist, and Client Advocate/Coordinator for the Rape Recovery Program.
David J. Tournade, CPA
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President
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David Tournade joined Peace River Center July 2008 as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President. David has more than 30 years of experience auditing, accounting, and managing profit and non-profit businesses.
David holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Stetson University and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Marla Cavendish, SHRM-CP
Director of Human Resources
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Marla Cavendish joined Peace River Center in March 2022. She has worked in human resources since 2013, and her life and work experience spans Canada and the United States and encompasses recruitment, payroll, benefits, compensation, policy development and leadership in human resources. Marla has earned the Certified Professional designation from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP). She holds an associate degree in Business Management and Human Resource from Red River Community College and Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource and Organizational Leadership from Rasmussen College. She is an active member of the Florida and Central Florida Chapters of the Society for Human Resource Management.
Jessica Lawson
Director of Community Relations and Development
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Jessica joined Peace River Center in November 2017. She has worked in public relations since 2006 having served as Marketing Director for a nonprofit animal welfare organization and various marketing and development roles throughout her career. She received her master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication from Emerson College in Boston, MA and her undergraduate degree from Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL. She is a current board member and past chapter president of the Dick Pope/Polk County Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), past board member of the Greater Polk County Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and an active member of Citrus Center Kiwanis Club. Jessica serves on the Children’s Council at First United Methodist Church of Lakeland and is active within that ministry as well as other church activities.
