Suzanne Kistler named the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Most Valuable Employee (Published 12-18-2020)
(Photo: Ken Burton Jr., Suzanne Kistler)
Suzanne Kistler was elected by employees of the Manatee County Tax Collector's Office as the Aimee Brewer Most Valuable Employee (MVE) 2020. One of the most prestigious annual designations, MVE is awarded to those whose work ethic affects the entire office. Employees from any department can be nominated by their peers. In addition to Suzanne, 2020 nominees included Jennifer Ackles, Alyssa Hamilton, Danielle Kidd, Kimberly Krise, and Nancy Romero.
Suzanne's nomination from a coworker highlighted her embodiment of office core values of innovation, future focus, integrity and respect, teamwork and excellence and accountability. "Suzanne goes above and beyond in everything she does. She has always 'wowed' me with her work ethic," said the nominator. "She has a way of motivating us to all work together in the department and always treats everyone with respect."
Operations Director Marie Inotai said she is very excited Suzanne is receiving this award. "As our team leader, Suzanne handles an array of duties and is such a huge help not only to our department, but to the entire office. We truly appreciate and value everything she contributes."
Among many accomplishments this year, Suzanne led a project that reframed the process of contacting customers regarding issues with tax payments, a highly time-sensitive communication. From the automation of manual entries, letters are now created and mailed out 61 times. She also coordinated with vendors to update internal software, allowing all departments access to information needed to assist customers more efficiently.
"Suzanne handles all of the supply orders for the office, so she interacts with employees from all departments," said Kristy Chapman, Operations manager. "One thing that I consistently hear about Suzanne is what a pleasure and how easy it is to work with her."
Suzanne is also a standing member of the Best Business Practice Team, planning and coordinating events to support the office's core value of community and social responsibility and contributing ideas to maintain high employee engagement throughout the office. Within her department, she oversees the training of new staff and cross-training of current staff, and she writes interdepartmental procedures.
"Suzanne has been the driving force behind a lot of positive change throughout the organization," said Tax Collector Ken Burton, Jr. "She doesn't let the door of her department stop her from bringing others together to work toward a common goal. Clearly, her peers have taken note and weighed in on that by nominating and selecting her as the Most Valuable Employee. People are excited to work with her because she inspires them. That's definitely the type of person you want to have on your team."
The MVE award carries with it a certificate of merit, name engraved on an MVE trophy, a video spotlight on the office YouTube channel, a Popi's gift certificate, a bonus vacation day, and a themed casual day for the honoree.
The mission of the Manatee County Tax Collector's Office is to perform our duties with integrity and respect, focusing on innovation and serving with excellence.
Manatee County Tax Collector is a 2011 Governor's Sterling Award Recipient.
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