When Richard Montes first stepped into The Mustard Seed of Central Florida’s warehouse—introduced by a fellow board member—something clicked. Seeing the mission in action, meeting the team, and witnessing the impact firsthand made the decision easy. As Richard pu
ts it, once he met Kathy and the staff and saw the work up close, he was hooked. He knew he wanted to help people when they needed it most.
Now marking his first full year with the organization—and stepping into his role as Board Chair—Richard says the most rewarding part has always been the people. Every interaction with staff brings a smile to his face, he shares, because he knows their work directly impacts families across Central Florida in powerful, tangible ways.
One moment that stands out for Richard is attending the monthly Agency Forum hosted by Alexandra Jones. Watching partner agencies engage, ask thoughtful questions, and express genuine excitement about collaborating with The Mustard Seed was a clear reminder of just how far the organization’s reach extends—and how essential those partnerships are to the mission.
Serving on the board has enriched Richard both personally and professionally. “My purpose is to leave people and places better than I found them,” he says. Being able to do that on a larger scale fills his heart—and it doesn’t stop there. The work consistently sparks meaningful conversations with peers and leadership in his professional life, reinforcing the value of service beyond the walls of any one organization.
When asked why The Mustard Seed’s mission matters so deeply to him, Richard keeps it simple and sincere:
“It matters because people matter. Helping someone restart their life goes beyond anything I could do alone.”
And if there’s one quote that captures how he approaches leadership and life, it’s this:
“Chase progress, not perfection.”
We’re grateful for Richard’s leadership, heart, and steady commitment—and proud to introduce him as part of our Meet the Board series.
