Meet The Town of Lake Placid
Administration
The Town Administration and Staff are available to assist both residents and non-residents of Lake Placid with their needs. Their extensive experience in serving the public is a testament to their commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring that every interaction is a positive one. You can count on them to handle your needs with care, professionalism, and a focus on achieving the best possible outcome.
Kevin McCarthy brings vast experience in City and County Administration and utilities. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Villanova University and has served in Public Service for over 30 years, including 10 years as the Utilities Director of Clewiston. In his current role as the Town Administrator and Utilities Director he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of both the Town of Lake Placid Administration and the Utilities Department. Kevin has been a lifelong resident of Clewiston and recently joined the Town of Lake Placid in March 2022.
Town Administrator/Utlities Director
Town Clerk
Eva Cooper-Hapeman is a skilled professional with experience in both the private and public sectors. She has worked as a Systems Administrator/Manager in the private sector and for the Highlands County Economic Development Commission in the public sector. Eva relocated to the Town of Lake Placid in 2004 after discovering the area. As the Town Clerk for the Town of Lake Placid since 2013, Eva is committed to ensuring transparency in all town matters. She manages the town's public records and responds to any public inquiries and requests. Eva also documents all public meetings and ensures that the public is notified of all town meetings.
Director of Finance
Rachel Osborne is a lifetime resident of Lake Placid and has been working with the Town since February 2004. Her main responsibility is to oversee financial activities such as reporting on revenue, administering the budget, training accounting staff, conducting internal audits, disbursing funds to departments, and establishing financial procedures. In addition, Rachel supervises the functions of the Front Desk, Customer Service, Utility Billing, Account Payable, Fixed Asset, and Payroll within the Finance Department. She also plays a key role in human resource functions and employee-benefit programs.
Lake Placid Police Department
Chief Schneider was sworn in as Chief of police on June 2, 2023. After graduation from Lake Placid High School, he joined the United States Navy being discharged honorably after completing his tour of duty. He began his career with the Lake Placid Police Department in September of 1998. Climbing the ranks until being sworn in as Chief of Police. Chief Schneider received his Bachelor of Applied Science degree from South Florida State College.
Town Planner
Dana Riddell has been working in zoning and planning since 2016. She started working with Highlands County and then moved on to the Central Florida Regional Planning Council. Dana was born and raised in a small town outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She relocated to Lake Placid in 2013 and has been living in Highlands County ever since. Dana holds a bachelor's degree from South Florida State College and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Planning Department.
Public Works Director
Alan Keefer
Town Property Maintenance Director Harry Durbano