Kent Lightner joined Baldwin Risk Partners in 2018 as part of the addition of Montoya & Associates in Jacksonville, Florida, where he served as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Currently the Strategic Operations Director, Kent coordinates and manages partner integrations, large-scale projects, purchasing, licensing and certifications. He also manages BRP’s facilities across all business entities.  

With over 25 years of experience in the construction, manufacturing, technology and financial services industries, Kent has led a wide variety of teams and organizations. Notable examples include: starting and building a successful global technology company, managing a $450 million government contract and leading an organization of over 1100 people working in eight different locations across three states. 

Kent grew up in Costa Rica and is fluent in Spanish. He has lived and worked internationally for over 21 years in Latin America, Europe and Asia. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Wheaton College, a master’s in engineering management from the University of Missouri Science and Technology and a master’s in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) and Six Sigma Black Belt. 

Kent is an Engineer Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. He and his wife have three children and live in Jacksonville, Florida.