The Florida Department of Health in Hendry County strives to make sure you have a great experience every time you do business with us. We are always looking at new and better ways to assure that we all live in a healthy community. Likewise, we are always looking at how we can create more public health value for you while making the best use of your time and keeping costs down.
About our health officer
Brian Prowant
Administrator
Florida Department of Health in Hendry and Glades Counties
Brian Prowant was appointed as the administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Glades and Hendry counties in August 2025.
Mr. Prowant is a lifelong resident of Florida and brings 28 years of public health experience working with the Florida Department of Health. He began his career with the Department in October of 1997 as an environmental specialist, working in multiple environmental public health areas until he became the Bureau of Environmental Public Health Director in 2008.
Brian’s career is distinguished by his deep expertise in environmental health program management, budgeting, and personnel supervision. He is responsible for overseeing a combined annual budget of just under $10 million to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
A recognized leader in his field, Brian was named the Environmental Public Health Director of the Year 2024 by the Florida Department of Health. He has also served on multiple statewide advisory councils and workgroups. His contributions extend beyond administration to disaster response and recovery, having played key roles in hurricane preparedness, emergency response site operations, and emergency shelter coordination.
Brian and his family live in Glades County where he is serving as vice president of both the Glades County Youth Livestock and the Chalo Nitka Festival Committee. His work with Federal Emergency Management Agency, local planning councils, and youth sports programs reflects his commitment to public service and community development.
He graduated from the University of Florida with a double major in Soil and Water Science and Environmental Management in Agriculture. He currently holds professional certifications in the environmental health onsite sewage and food protection, and is a certified pool/spa operator.
He is continually striving to promote, protect, and improve the health of our communities.
Our Team
- Lisa Benbasat – Public Health Nutrition Director – Women, Infants, and Children
- Vanessa Fischel – Operations and Management Consultant
- John Gountas – Emergency Preparedness/Training
- Dawn Long – Community Health Nursing Director
- Edwin Melendez – Public Information Officer
- Andrea Schaffer – Senior Health Operations Manager
- Wade Walker – Distributed Computer Systems Administrator
- Lucille Zavala – Administrative Service Director