Chevalier “Chev” Lovett is a name that proudly resonates with vision, creativity and transformation.
A proud native of West Winter Park, Florida and raised in Historic Hannibal Square — Chev has spent his life turning challenges into opportunities for social progress. As the Chief Operating Officer of Florida Rising, he leads one of Florida’s most impactful grassroots organizations, championing economic and racial justice for Black, Brown, LGBTQIA+ and Immigrant communities.
Chev’s journey is one of relentless advocacy and bold leadership. With over 15 years of senior leadership in the nonprofit world, his journey has been defined by roles at organizations like the YMCA, City Year Inc., and Organize Florida (now Florida Rising), where he crafted innovative strategies to tackle historical inequities. A graduate of highly respected leadership programs like Leadership Winter Park (Class 28), Leadership Florida (Connect Class 9), Leadership Orange (Class 8), Leadership Orlando (Class 101), and Rockwood Leadership, Chev has honed a skill set that balances strategy with heart. Chev is also an alum in several programs and studies spanning across the University of Hartford, Rollins College and Cornell University.
Chevalier Lovett isn’t just a leader; he’s a true catalyst for change and a reflection of his multifaceted identity and vibrant spirit. His ability to bring people together, paired with his deep understanding of systemic issues, has made him a trusted leader in community development and empowerment. He is a man who authentically believes in the power of people and community.
However, Chev’s impact doesn’t stop at his professional achievements. As a fierce advocate for uplifting community voices, he has served on almost two dozen local and national boards & committees, which currently include: the Contigo Fund, Hope CommUnity Center, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando & Osceola County, as the Chair for the City of Orlando’s Nominating Board, Winter Park Library’s Board of Trustees, Poverty Solutions Group and 26Health as the Vice Chair.
These efforts have not gone unnoticed – Chev has earned a slew of honors, from being named Winter Park Magazine’s “Most Influential” in 2020 to Orlando Magic and Florida Blue’s 2023 “Diversity Game Changer,” and landing a spot on Orlando Business Journal’s prestigious 2024 “40-Under-40” list.
Chev’s story is as personal as it is powerful. As a queer husband and father of twin sons, he exemplifies the values he champions: equity, inclusion and a better future for the next generation and advocating for the marginalized and LGBTQIA+ communities. When he’s not shaping Florida’s social and economic landscape, you might find him behind a piano in recitals or with a microphone as the Contemporary Worship Director at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park – channeling his creative energy into music and uniting communities by sharing his lived experiences.
Whether driving policy reforms, mentoring emerging leaders or making us smile with his infectious laugh, Chev’s work stands as a blueprint for what’s possible when courage meets action. In every space he occupies, Chevalier’s message remains the same: the power to transform society lies in all of us!
View the full list of Watermark’s Remarkable People of 2024 here.
