ORLANDO, Fla. — Jeffrey D. Harvey, Esq., Chief Executive Officer of Community Legal Services (CLS) and a decorated combat veteran, has been promoted to the rank of Colonel in the Florida Army National Guard. The promotion follows more than two decades of military service spanning combat operations, command leadership and statewide emergency response.
Harvey also leads the Central Florida-based Community Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm that provides no-cost legal representation to vulnerable community members facing civil legal issues.
“Jeff’s distinguished military service reflects the same integrity, discipline and commitment to others that he brings to Community Legal Services every day,” said Kevin Ross-Andino, Esq., President of the Board of Directors for CLS and Senior Partner at the Florida-based law firm of Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer. “His leadership in uniform and as our CEO strengthens our organization and expands our impact across Central Florida. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I congratulate Jeff on this well-earned promotion to Colonel, and pledge our continued support of him in serving our country and our community.”
In 2001, Harvey was commissioned as a field artillery officer through ROTC at Boston College and served on active duty with the 101st Airborne Division, where he led hundreds of combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom without loss of personnel or equipment. A graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School, Air Assault School, and the Pathfinder Course, he transitioned to the Florida Army National Guard in 2010 and has since held a series of senior command and staff roles. Over the course of his Guard service, Harvey has mobilized 10 times in support of civil authorities, including leading large-scale response efforts during Hurricanes Michael and Dorian as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. He was awarded the Florida Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership during Hurricane Michael, where he oversaw operations across a 3,000-square-mile area of the Florida Panhandle.
“I’m deeply honored to continue serving alongside the dedicated soldiers of the Florida Army National Guard, and this promotion reflects the commitment and professionalism of the teams I’ve had the privilege to lead throughout my career,” Harvey said.
Most recently, Harvey served as task force commander of the 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade in Orlando, a 3,600-person unit supporting both state emergency response missions and national defense operations. He was selected for the role by Maj. Gen. John D. Haas, the adjutant general of Florida, in September 2025.
His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with six oak leaf clusters and multiple campaign and service medals recognizing his deployments and humanitarian support. In his civilian role, Harvey’s leadership of Community Legal Services has resulted in the organization becoming Florida’s largest nonprofit civil legal aid organization, where more than 170 staff members, including more than 70 attorneys, help stabilize the lives of nearly 10,000 individuals and families each year across 12 counties.
He earned his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law and holds advanced degrees in leadership, business administration and strategic studies. He has been recognized by the Orlando Business Journal, Florida Trend and the National Eagle Scout Association for his leadership and professional achievements.
Harvey serves on the board of the Central Florida Council for Scouting America and is a trustee for the Florida Association of Veteran-Owned Businesses. He resides in Maitland, Florida, with his wife and their two children.
About Community Legal Services
Community Legal Services (CLS) is a comprehensive civil legal-aid organization serving 12 counties in Central Florida. CLS provides high-quality, no-cost legal assistance to vulnerable or low-income individuals and families, helping them achieve safety, stability and opportunity. Practice areas include housing, consumer rights, family law, veterans’ benefits, accessible education, elder issues, and public assistance.