Karen Prater is the Manatee County Tax Collector's 2025 Most Valuable Employee

October 22, 2025

Karen Prater is the Manatee County Tax Collector's 2025 Most Valuable Employee

Bradenton - The Manatee County Tax Collector’s office is proud to announce that Karen Prater has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Aimee Brewer Most Valuable Employee award. Karen was chosen from an exceptional group of nominees, including Kelly Gillis, Lori McInerney, Alyssa Pond, Keshia Williams, Lauren Bucy, Nancy Sanchez, Bobbie Sumbay, Joy Grenon, and Ralph Renning, each of whom exemplifies the high standards of service, leadership, and teamwork that define our organization.

Karen has been with the Tax Collector’s office since 2010, starting as a part-time receptionist and steadily rising through the ranks to her current position as a manager in the Customer Service and Associate Development (CSAD) department. Over the past 15 years, she has built a reputation for leading with fairness, professionalism, and a deep commitment to both her team and the customers they serve.

“Karen is an incredible success story,” said CSAD Director Tony Conboy. “She started as a part-time employee in our organization, worked her way up to become manager of our newest office, and today is named our most valuable employee. We are so glad that she is part of our team.”

Karen’s leadership style is defined by integrity, accountability, and a sincere care for others. Her team consistently highlights her thoughtful decision-making, supportive nature, and the trust she builds through honest communication and mutual respect. One teammate remarked, “Karen has always shown, time after time, that she does her job with excellence every single day she’s at work. She consistently delivers great work, shows integrity, takes accountability, and goes beyond the basics to help both the team and individuals succeed.”

Karen’s impact goes far beyond internal operations; she is a driving force in creating better experiences for customers. By leading with empathy and a strong customer focus, she models what it means to serve with excellence. Her ability to inspire her team directly translates into higher employee engagement and improved service quality, helping make the office more effective, efficient, and welcoming for everyone who walks through the door.

“Karen doesn’t just manage a team, she inspires it,” said Tax Collector Ken Burton Jr. “She lifts the people around her, makes our workplace stronger, and leads with the kind of heart and integrity that define this award. Her journey with us is a testament to dedication, growth, and what it truly means to lead by example.”

Please join us in congratulating Karen on this well-earned honor and in thanking her for her continued commitment to making a positive and lasting impact on the Manatee County Tax Collector’s office.

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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.

The Manatee County Tax Collector is a Governor’s Sterling Award Recipient 2011