With a career rooted in fire rescue and emergency management, Russell Beaty has spent decades serving vulnerable populations. That experience—combined with church and community volunteering—sparked a lasting passion for accessible community mental health services and family support.

Through his work with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Russell was assigned to serve on the board of directors for COPE Center, later known as Chautauqua Healthcare Services before becoming part of Lakeview Center.

It didn’t take long before the mission resonated.

“Once you work in this field,” he said, “you see the impact that mental health has on a person, on a family and on the community.”

From Escambia to Walton County, Lakeview Center offers 60+ programs ranging from outpatient counseling and psychiatry to 24/7 residential treatments and mental health crisis support.

Russell later transitioned to serving on the board of directors of FamiliesFirst Network, a sister company to Lakeview Center, providing child protective services in Northwest Florida.

“What I saw just amazed me,” Russell said. “The work FamiliesFirst Network does married perfectly with what I believe in—strengthening families and protecting children. When you listen to the people, it’s amazing the impact we have on people’s lives and this community.”