Tax Collector’s Office Celebrates New Graduates

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL – The Pinellas County Tax Collector held its annual Leadership Development Program (LDP) graduation on December 8 at Eagle Lake Park, in Largo. The Tax Collector organization started LDP in 2014 as a way to formally develop the leadership skills of employees.

Photo of the Leadership Development Program Graduates — From L-R: Leslie Fann, Hailey Dietz, Frankie Blasewitz, Jenn Stoltenberg, Christine Gauger, Mikell Hopkins,
Riana Giannico, Ed Parrado, Nick Acevedo, Heather Leon (not pictured – Mandi Neuner, Tina Stearns)

“Our mission includes empowering our workforce to excel and having strong leaders is a core part of meeting that mission,” says Tax Collector Charles W. Thomas. “Investing in the development of these folks has a positive effect on the whole organization which ultimately benefits our customers and makes providing Customer-Focused Excellence that much easier.”

Mr. Thomas led the graduation with remarks on the impact the graduates have made and will continue to make on the organization. The graduates then shared remarks about their experience and their commitment to using their skills with their colleagues. Despite it being the coldest day of the year so far, the atmosphere was happy and optimistic as the graduates reflected on their hard work and experiences as part of LDP.

82 of the Tax Collector’s current staff have graduated from the LDP program since its inception. The 2021 class includes 14 individuals and kicks off on January 14.

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ABOUT THE PINELLAS COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE: The Pinellas County Tax Collector’s Office is a constitutionally elected office. Responsibilities include collecting and distributing state and local taxes and providing driver license and motor vehicle registration services to Pinellas County residents. For more information, visit pinellastaxcollector.gov.