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Meet Charles W. Thomas

Charles W. Thomas served as Pinellas County’s Chief Deputy Tax Collector for 16 years before becoming Tax Collector in 2017. He was the driving force behind the organization’s efforts for continuous improvement, which resulted in the organization winning the prestigious Governor’s Sterling Award in 2013, the Governor’s Sterling Sustained Excellence Award in 2016, and the Governor’s Sterling Award again in 2020.

Before joining the Pinellas County Tax Collector team, Mr. Thomas was the Program Manager for Gordon-Darby, Inc. where he was responsible for the operation of 11 emissions testing centers. Before Gordon-Darby, Mr. Thomas proudly served in the United States Air Force, working in avionics maintenance of F15s.

Mr. Thomas is the Past Chairman of the Pinellas Federal Credit Union, a board member of the Florida Sterling Council, and a member of the Government Finance Officers Association.

In addition to his work as tax collector, Mr. Thomas is a proud father of two, grandfather of two, and devoted husband to his lovely wife, Patti. He and Patti enjoy moderate traveling, kayaking, biking, and hiking around beautiful Pinellas County, as well as dancing, playing pool volleyball, and having cookouts with friends. Mr. Thomas is also an avid music fan and enjoys listening to various genres any chance he has. 

Tax Collector Charles W. Thomas takes pride in his office’s dedication to “customer-focused excellence” and is honored to serve the residents of Pinellas County. He is a longtime resident of Pinellas County and is proud to call it home.

Do you have any questions or suggestions for our organization? Mr. Thomas would like to hear from you. Email him anytime at charlesthomas@pinellastaxcollector.gov.

Meet the Executive Team

Jim Battyanyi, Chief Deputy Tax Collector       

Jim Battyanyi – Chief Deputy Tax Collector

As chief deputy, Jim manages the organization’s senior leadership team while also assisting the tax collector with his various roles and duties. Jim joined the tax collector’s office in 2005 as a human resources manager, eventually moving on to serve as deputy of human resources, deputy of branch operations, and finally being appointed to chief deputy tax collector in 2017. Jim not only has a background in HR which makes him an adept leader, but he is also a proud Marine Corps veteran who has earned several professional designations including but not limited to Certified Human Resources Professional, a graduate of FSU’s Certified Public Manager Program, and Certified Florida Collector Assistant from the FL Department of Revenue. Outside of work, Jim enjoys staying fit at the gym, barbecuing on the weekends, and spending time with his wife.

 

Catherine bailey noble - deputy tax collector for human resources

Catherine Bailey Noble, SHRM-CP, CPM, CFCA – Deputy Tax Collector for Human Resources

Cathy began her career at the tax collector’s office in 2008, working her way up from an HR staffing coordinator to the deputy tax collector of HR. She has a diverse background - she studied education and psychology at Mansfield University and has worked in both the private and public sectors in human resources and operation management. She achieved a Graduate Certificate in Public Management from USF and has served as an Advanced Sterling Examiner. Cathy has completed numerous certifications and programs including SHRM Certified Professional, FSU Certified Public Manager, and the Florida Tax Collector’s Association. Cathy is extremely proud of her team’s work in implementing our Leadership Development Program – an internal, year-long training course specifically geared toward the tax collector’s rising leaders and the organization’s implementation of a mentoring culture. Outside of work, Cathy enjoys being active, hanging out with her dogs, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

 

Amber Bradley - Deputy tax collector for customer care and communications

Amber Bradley, CPM, CFCA – Deputy Tax Collector for Customer Care and Communications

Amber began her career at the tax collector’s office in 2011, beginning in the tax administration department before moving to the communications department and her eventual promotion to deputy. After achieving a Bachelor of Mass Communications from USF, Amber has gone on to complete the FSU Certified Public Manager Program and achieve the CFCA (Certified FL Collector Assistant) from the FL Department of Revenue. She’s also a graduate of the tax collector’s Leadership Development Program. Prior to joining the PCTC, Amber worked in journalism, media production, and medical administration. She is very proud of her work in reviving and improving the Kids Tag Art program – which helps raise funds for local elementary art classrooms. Amber enjoys spending her free time watching her kids play sports, volunteering, spending time with family and friends, exploring her local community, and going on adventures with her husband and kids.

 

Jennifer Bryant - Deputy Tax Collector For Business support Solutions

Jennifer Bryant, CPM, CFCA – Deputy Tax Collector for Innovation and Technology

Jennifer joined our organization in 2020, bringing with her 20 years of IT experience from various environments and organizations like USF, Raymond James, and the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). She has managed a variety of technical teams, in multiple domestic and international locations, constantly looking for ways to improve and innovate. She holds a master’s degree in Instructional Technology and a bachelor’s in psychology from USF, as well as numerous professional certifications. Jennifer recently received her Certified Public Manager certificate through FSU. One of the projects Jennifer is most proud of from her time as a deputy is bringing back an in-house support team to our organization. Jennifer enjoys photography and reading when not working.

 

Rose DiGennaro - Deputy Tax Collector for Branch Operations

Rose DiGennaro, SHRM-CP, PHR, CPM, CFCA – Deputy Tax Collector for Processing and Tax Operations

Rose has over thirty-two years of experience in human resources, beginning her career at the tax collector’s office as an HR staffing coordinator in 2005 before promoting to deputy tax collector of HR in January of 2017. After serving in that position for several years, Rose pivoted to deputy of Branch Operations wherein she oversaw all branch offices. In 2023, Rose transferred to deputy of Processing and Tax Operations, where she manages the collection of property taxes as well as the contact center which processes transactions both online and through the mail.  Rose has completed numerous certifications and programs including Professional in Human Resources, SHRM Certified Professional, Certified Public Manager, the Florida Sterling Council, and the Florida Tax Collector’s Association. Rose is very proud of her work in helping to develop our internal Leadership Development Program. When not working, Rose loves spending time with her family (especially her grandchildren), traveling with her husband, and playing cards and games with friends.

 

Douglas Katez, Deputy Tax Collector for Processing and Tax Operations

Douglas Katez – Deputy Tax Collector for Branch Operations

Doug joined the tax collector’s office in 2010 and manages all branch offices and related operations in his current role as deputy. Prior to directing Branch Operations, Doug served as the deputy of Processing and Tax Operations for 5 years where he oversaw the property tax department and customer contact center. He also previously held the deputy of Budget and Finance position. Doug graduated with a master’s in business administration from Stetson and has also completed the FSU Certified Public Manager Program. He comes from a banking and finance background and has also served in various capacities on the Florida Sterling Council, Pinellas Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, and Florida Tourist Development Tax Association. When not working, Doug likes to create music with friends and spend time exploring the beauty of Florida’s great outdoors.

 

Kimberly Williams-Tomlin, CPM - Deputy Tax Collector for Budget and Finance

Kimberly Williams-Tomlin, CPM, CFCA – Deputy Tax Collector for Budget and Finance

Kimberly came to the tax collector’s office in 2018 with over thirty years of experience in accounting, management, and human resources in the non-profit sector. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and is currently working on a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology. Since starting at the PCTC four years ago, she has completed FSU’s Certified Public Manager Program where she gained invaluable knowledge that she utilizes every day. Outside of work, Kimberly loves to travel, spend time with her family and friends, read, and complete DIY projects.

 

 

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