Charles W. Thomas replaces Diane Nelson, who has retired.

PINELLAS COUNTY – This county’s new tax collector took the oath of office Tuesday (Jan. 3).

Charles W. Thomas was sworn in by Judge Myriam Irizarry. He replaces Diane Nelson, who retired after 47 years in the department, the last 16 as tax collector.

“It is my supreme honor to take the oath of office to serve as Pinellas County’s next tax collector,” Thomas said. “I have worked as Diane Nelson’s chief deputy tax collector for the last 16 years. During that time, I learned the integral role public servants play in the health of our community. I look forward to continuing to work with our outstanding team at the tax collector’s office to provide excellent customer service to the residents of Pinellas County each and every day.”

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. The office received the 2013 Governor’s Sterling Award and the 2016 Governor’s Sterling Sustained Excellence Award for performance excellence

Before joining the Pinellas County tax collector team, Thomas was the program manager for Gordon-Darby, Inc. where he was responsible for the operation of 11 emissions testing centers. Before Gordon-Darby, Thomas served in the U.S. Air Force. He worked in avionics maintenance of F15s.

Thomas is board chair of the Pinellas Federal Credit Union, a board member of the Florida Sterling Council, and a member of the Government Finance Officers Association.

Thomas is married, has two children and one grandchild. He is a longtime resident of Pinellas County.

For information about the Pinellas County tax collector, go to taxcollect.com.

Photo of Charles Thomas’ swearing in courtesy of Pinellas County.

Pinellas Tax Collector | Charles Thomas | Swearing In | Tampa Bay Reporter

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