Meet Our Team

Ed Kendrick

Lead Pastor

Ed Kendrick, Lead Pastor, began Heartland in 2002 after graduating that same year from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with his Masters Degree in Divinity. In 2015, Ed completed his Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree, also from Southeastern Seminary. Prior to attending seminary and starting Heartland Church, Ed spent twenty years as a bank executive and served in various civic positions including Mayor for the City of Fort Meade, Florida.

Ed has been married to his wife, Nancy, since 1978. They have one daughter, Lauren, and two grandchildren, Colton and Kenzie.

Through Ed’s leadership, Heartland has grown from just 14 people in 2002 to more than 2,500 who call Heartland home today. His true passion is to see people come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and to grow in their relationship with Him until they themselves are reaching others for Christ.

Ed’s hobbies include fishing, woodworking, and spending time in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.

Colossians 1:17 is Ed’s life verse: “He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.”

Chad Dedmon

Family Life Pastor

Chad Dedmon stepped into the role of Family Life Pastor in August 2022.

Pastor Chad and his family began attending Heartland in June 2013 and became part of Heartland’s Student Ministry in August 2014. In April 2018, he was ordained in the ministry at Heartland Church and came on staff full time as student pastor. Chad subsequently completed his Master of Divinity at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in December 2020. In his current role his focus is on discipleship and families.

Chad’s favorite verse is John 17:4: “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” He tries to live by this every day. Chad is married to Meagan, and they have two sons, Declan and Orin. The whole family are big supporters of the Liverpool Football Club!

David Nava

Heartland Espańol Pastor

David Nava is Pastor of Heartland’s Spanish congregation; Heartland Español. He and his wife, Triana, joined Heartland in 2021. They have been married for 27 years, and have two amazing kids, David Daniel and Grace Elizabeth.

He grew up in a Christian home in Maracaibo, Venezuela. At the age of 9, he came to know Jesus; which changed his life forever. He went on to earn certifications and degrees in “Pastoral and Missions” at the Ebenezer Bible Institute in San Cristóbal, a Bachelor’s degree in Theology at the “Centro Educativo Nacional de Teología Superior Milenium” (CENTESUM) in Maracaibo, and a Master’s in Pastoral Theology at the “Unidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador” (UPEL) in Maracaibo.

Pastor David is very passionate about teaching the Word of God and his favorite verse is 1 Peter 2:2 “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation“.

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David Nava es el Pastor del Ministerio de Heartland Español. Ha plantado y pastoreado este ministerio en español desde 2021. Creció en un hogar Cristiano y a los 9 años tuvo un encuentro con Jesús que marcó su vida para siempre. En su niñes junto con sus padres, sirvieron en su iglesia local ministrando en sus alrededores. En su juventud participó y también ayudó a dirigir algunos grupos de jóvenes. Antes de llegar a los Estados Unidos hace unos años, supervisó varios ministerios en la Primera Iglesia Bautista en Maracaibo, Venezuela.

El pastor David obtuvo su educación y títulos en su país natal de Venezuela. Obtuvo su Maestría en Teología Pastoral en la UPEL de Maracaibo.

Para David su versículo favorito es 1 Pedro 2:2 “Desead, como a niño recién nacidos, la leche espiritual no adulterada, para que por ella crezcáis para la salvación”, David es un fiel vigilante de la palabra de verdad y muy apasionado a enseñar la sana doctrina y verdadera Palabra de Dios.

David y su esposa Triana han estado casados durante 27 años y tienen dos hijos, David Daniel y Grace Elizabeth.

Doyle Eldridge

Children’s Pastor

Doyle Eldridge has been Heartland’s Children’s Pastor since January 2011. He was ordained into the Gospel ministry in April 1982 after graduating from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1981 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministries. Doyle has served at other churches in Alabama, Tennessee and Florida prior to coming on board with Heartland.

Doyle’s favorite Bible verse is Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” He has a passion to let his light shine for Jesus and to teach children to do the same. Doyle has been starting and leading Awana Clubs since 1989. He has personally started five Awana Clubs in Polk County and has also trained those from other churches to lead their own Awana programs.

Married to the love of his life, Toni, together they have five children and nine grandchildren. A fan of both the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, you can often hear Doyle talk about the ups and downs of these teams.

Gary Grubbs

Executive Pastor

Florida born and raised, Gary has literally grown up in the church, having sat under the piano as his mother played for choir rehearsal each week. He began leading music in his home church in 1988 and shortly after, began to feel God’s call on his life to enter full-time ministry. In the Spring of 1994, Gary, along with his wife and young son made the move to Graceville, Florida to attend the Baptist College of Florida, where he received a B.A. in Music.

Upon graduation in 1997, he returned to Florida to take a full-time music ministry position at FBC Fort Meade. There he met Ed Kendrick, and the two quickly formed a strong friendship. Their desire to serve God and their shared vision for church planting began the birth of Heartland Church. Gary and Ed opened the doors to Heartland’s first service in the summer of 2002. Since that time Gary has served in various staff roles – Worship Pastor, Executive Pastor, and currently Technology, Media & Facilities Pastor.

Married to Stacey since 1987, they have two children, James and Jenna. They are also the proud grandparents of Ellis Gibson and Lucy Rae! Gary enjoys traveling to the Smoky Mountains, boating, and spending time with his family.

Mike White

Creative Arts Pastor

Mike White is the Creative Arts Pastor at Heartland Church and has been leading worship since 1992. He’s all about helping people fully engage in worship—not just watching, but participating with their whole heart. His favorite book of the Bible is Psalms, especially the part in Psalm 145:4–7 where it talks about commending God’s works, declaring His mighty acts, celebrating His goodness, and joyfully singing about His righteousness. That’s the kind of worship Mike wants to lead—and the kind he hopes inspires the next generation to know Jesus.

Even though he leads the Worship Ministry, Mike isn’t always on stage. Heartland has a team of incredibly talented and passionate worship leaders who bring something unique to every service. Together, they work to support the vision of the lead pastor and create a worship experience that takes people on a journey—drawing closer to God and leaving changed by His presence.

Mike is married to his high school sweetheart, Lizbeth. They’ve got two grown daughters and four amazing grandkids who keep life fun. When they’re not at church, you’ll find Mike and Lizbeth chasing good pizza, hanging with the grandkids, or following wherever Mike’s Jeep feels like taking them next.

Kyle Lloyd

Missions & Outreach Director

Kyle serves as Heartland’s Missions and Outreach Director where he leads with a passion for equipping the church to love our world—both locally and globally. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity in Missiology through Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, deepening his calling to help others know and share the hope of Jesus.

Originally from Kansas, Kyle has served in ministry for over two decades, using his background in digital media to communicate the gospel with creativity and clarity. Before joining the Heartland team, he served churches in Kansas and New Mexico, and his work in video and storytelling has received national recognition.

Kyle and his wife Stacy have three children and two granddaughters. Their son, Dakota, and his family now live in Winter Haven, while their daughter, Aspen, and her family remain in Kansas. Their youngest, Helene, is beginning her college journey in Wake Forest, NC. Whether at home or around the world, Kyle strives to live out Joshua 24:15 and Ephesians 4:1—serving the Lord with faithfulness, humility, and purpose.

Robin Murphy

Executive Assistant – Office Manager

Robin has been a Heartland staff member since 2008. Growing up in a Christian home in Michigan, she became a Christ-follower at a young age. She moved to Florida in 1985 but continues to be a big fan and supporter of all University of Michigan sports! Married to her husband John since 1988, together they have led and served within our HeartGroup, Guest Services and young adult ministries. Because they have a passion to see marriages thrive, they guide and coach couples through a pre-marriage process using the SYMBIS curriculum.

Robin’s daily desire is to emulate Colossians 3:23, which says: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men …”

Tina Gonzales

Administrative Assistant – Finance & Human Resources

A native Floridian born and raised in Winter Haven, Tina Gonzales loves her home and has a heart to see God’s glory fall on this region. She dedicated her life to Christ at a young age and is passionate about seeing people’s lives changed for the better.

Having worked as a preschool teacher for 10+ years, Tina made a huge impact in the lives of many families and children. She has a heart for missions where she has made several mission trips to orphanages across the globe.

In addition to her weekday duties, Tina serves on Heartland’s Media & Tech Team. She is happy to call Heartland her “home church” and is excited to see what God will accomplish through her employment and service here.

Sonia Martinez

Administrative Assistant – Database Manager

Sonia Martinez joined our staff full-time in August 2017 to become our Database Manager. Prior to her current role here at Heartland, she has served and worked in various roles within our Children’s, Discipleship and Heartland Español Ministries. She loves serving in our Student Ministry and encouraging our students to strengthen their relationship with the Lord, to be in His Word and share her passion for serving with them.

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Sonia and her family moved from New York to Florida in the summer of 2004. In 2007, they decided to make Winter Haven their permanent home and in early 2010 they found their church home when she and her family started attending Heartland. Sonia and her husband Robert have been married since October 2002 and have a daughter, Gabby. As a family they enjoy spending time together, traveling, going to Disney and trying out new and interesting places to eat wherever they go.

Sonia’s favorite bible verse is Deuteronomy 6:6-7: And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Alec Ledger

Digital Media Specialist

Since 2010, Alec Ledger has called Heartland Church home. He quickly became involved in the tech and worship teams and has worked on staff since 2012. During that time, his role has grown and evolved, and he now serves as Video & Digital Media Specialist. On a weekly basis, Alec manages created video content, social media accounts, and photography teams. He also assists in planning and programming different elements of Heartland worship services, such as lighting, media, and creative worship elements.

Alec currently attends Southeastern University and is in the final stages of pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Worship Ministry. He has a passion for worship and creativity, and for working with technical teams and seeing these areas of ministries grow!

Alec’s favorite verse is James 1:17 – ‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.’

Teesa Howell

Smallville (Preschool) Director

Teesa has been attending Heartland Church since 2014. She began coming to Heartland because of a children’s event that Heartland sponsored and she brought her daughter Madelyn to this event. She loved it so much that they immediately made Heartland their home church.

They joined Heartland in 2015 and Teesa immediately signed up to serve in Heartland kids in the nursery program. She has served there for 8 years, and for the last 2 years she has served as the nursery coordinator. She also serves on the Awana ministry team as the 1st grade Director, and she is the 1st grade Director for VBS.

Teesa’s husband Kirk serves on the safety team, and is the lead once a month. She states that her goal here at Heartland is to bring glory and honor to our Lord and Savior and be a shining light in our children’s ministry.

Blake Gardner

Children’s Ministry Assistant & Backstage (Elementary) Director

Blake has been attending Heartland Church since 2008. He immediately got involved in both Children and Student Ministry. While attending Heartland, Blake met his wife Brittany tying the knot in 2019. In August of 2022 they welcomed their daughter Adelay.

While Blake’s official staff positions have changed and his responsibilities have grown through the years, the heart and compassion he has for working and serving in any area remains the same!

Blake’s favorite verse is 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Blake enjoys spending most of his time with his wife and daughter, visiting zoos and parks. Blake’s passion is to continue to teach youth to grow closer to Christ and train them to be good stewards. Blake feels that he has been called to full-time ministry, with a goal of obtaining his masters degree.

Dawn Anderson

Ministry & Facilities Support

Dawn is originally from Wisconsin, but has been living in Florida for 21 years. She is involved in the areas of VBS, decorating, stage design, and wherever needed. Her favorite verse is Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”