Tax Collector Ken Burton Jr. announced Suzanne Kistler as the Employee of the First Quarter 2012. Suzanne has been a part-time employee in the Operations Department of the Manatee County Tax Collector's office for six and a half years.

"We value our part-time employees just as much as we do our full-time staff. When one rises to the top, we like to recognize them, and Suzanne brings her 'A-Game' every day," said Burton. "She is dependable, proactive and involved in many areas of the office; always willing to take on additional responsibilities when called on. She displays our core values of excellence and accountability perfectly."

"Suzanne has been cross trained on the high speed processor which allows us to have backup when the main operator is out," said John Marble, Operations Director. "She does an excellent job in payment processing and assists with courier duties when needed; she even trained the new courier who started in October. She exemplifies our core values of integrity and respect."

"When assistance was needed in road testing for driver licenses, Suzanne volunteered to work with us," said Michele Schulz, Field Services & Collections Director. "She took on additional training to be able to administer testing for new driver licenses applicants. We value her contribution and she always maintains a great attitude and helpful spirit. She is a great example of our core values of teamwork and customer focus."

"Suzanne joined the ESAF (Employee Special Activities Fund) Team last year and at the first meeting she brought in a dozen or more great ideas for motivation events for our employees," said Jan Hilker, ESAF Chair. "She not only suggested events, she helped set up and clean up. Suzanne embodies our core value of community & social responsibility."

Suzanne receives a certificate, her name engraved on the Employee of the Quarter Trophy, a special parking place, a uni-leave day of her choosing, and a free pizza from Demetrio's Pizza House, Cortez Road.

The mission of the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office is to perform our duties with integrity, focusing on innovation and serving with excellence.