Palmetto High School
Palmetto, Florida

Diploma, 1980

Carson-Newman College

B.S. Business Administration, 1985

Jefferson City, Tennessee

Majors: Management and Data Processing

Florida Department of Revenue

Certified Florida Collector, 1993-Present

Leadership Manatee

Manatee Chamber of Commerce, 1990

Manatee County Tax Collector

1993-Present

Data Processing Administrator

1985-1992

Florida Tax Collectors Inc.

Board of Directors

Past President, Past Treasurer (6 years)

Gillette First Baptist Church

Ordained Deacon

Bradenton Gladiators

Board of Directors

Palmetto High School

Business Advisory Council

Manatee County Youth Rowing

Board of Directors

Manatee River Fair Association

Member

Manatee County 4-H Foundation

Past Member (12 years)

Ken Burton Jr. was elected Manatee County Tax Collector in 1992. Prior to his election as Tax Collector, he served as data processing administrator for the Tax Collector's office from 1985-1992. He is a Certified Florida Tax Collector (CFC) through the Florida Department of Revenue, served as President of the Florida Tax Collectors Inc. (FTC) 2007-2008, was Treasurer of the FTCA for six years and currently chairs the Strategic Planning committee.

Tax Collectors manage a variety of duties and responsibilities and provide a myriad of important public services that allow them to exercise valuable leadership in government. Along with their own local involvement in personnel and financial management matters, Tax Collectors participate in the management of the executive branches of state government that include the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Department of Motorist Services, and the Department of Revenue.

Through the leadership of Ken Burton Jr., the Manatee County Tax Collector's Office has been innovative in a number of areas. You know he's a forward thinker when the Office's web address is - www.taxcollector.com. Out of thousands of Tax Collectors around the world, only the Manatee County Tax Collector's internet address bears the simple designation "taxcollector.com". Expanding this technology vision, Manatee County was the first Tax Collector in the State to sell Hunting & Fishing Licenses online; and in fact, was the first to offer the free E-check to online customers.

A role model organization, the Manatee County Tax Collector's office earned the prestigious Governor's Sterling Award in 2011, the FTC Legacy Award in Financial Operations 2012, FTC Excellence in Finance Operations Award 2011, and FTC Certificate of Merit, 2011

Ken is an ordained deacon of Gillette First Baptist Church, serves on the Business Advisory Board of Palmetto High School, and is a board member of the Bradenton Gladiators semi-professional football team which is a non-profit organization that benefits area youth. He is a 1990 graduate of Leadership Manatee and served many years as an at-large member of the 4-H Foundation.

Not only does Ken believe in giving back to the community, he encourages his staff to be involved as well. Senior management have earned the Certified Florida Collector Assistants (CFCA) designation, many are Leadership Manatee graduates and serve on church, civic organizations and community boards. Among the charities and organizations the office has volunteered time and contributed to are Adopt-a-Family, Donate Life Florida, Florida Baptist Children's Homes, North River Pregnancy Center, Gold Star Club, United Way, West Bradenton Kiwanis and Wreathes Across America.

Ken received the Dr. Martin Luther King Outstanding Citizenship in Government Award in 2005, the Prevent Blindness Florida's People of Vision Award in 2004, and was the first Tax Collector honored with the Matt Langley Bell III Award by the Florida Tax Collectors in 2003. He is listed in the Outstanding Young Men of America 1987.

A native son, Ken graduated from Palmetto High School in 1981. He holds a BS Degree in Business Administration from Carson-Newman College, Jefferson City, Tennessee, where he played on back-to-back National Championship Football Teams in 1983 and 1984. He was named collegiate All-District and Honorable Mention All America.

Ken is married to his high school sweetheart Shelly Bustle. Their children are Ashley, Chad (Kelly & grandson Charlie) and James.