6 July Pinellas Clerk Announces New Inspector General July 6, 2020 By Vanessa Castrogiovanni News Archive Inspector, General, Announcement, New, IG, Inspector General 0 After 15 years with the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Division of Inspector General (IG), Hector Collazo Jr. officially retired on June 30th, after building the IG to be a benchmark for other Offices of Inspectors General in the State of Florida. Ken Burke, Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, announced the promotion of Melissa Dondero to Inspector General/Chief Audit Executive, effective July 5, 2020. Melissa has spent her entire 16+ year career at the Clerk’s office in the Division of Inspector General. She has a Master of Accountancy in Accounting Information Systems and Bachelor of Science in Accounting, both from the University of South Florida. Melissa has multiple professional certifications including Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, and Certified Inspector General. Having joined the Clerk’s office in 2003 as an entry level auditor, Melissa was mentored by experienced and knowledgeable coworkers, and worked her way up to management. As an Assistant Inspector General for the past five years, Melissa is skilled at conducting audits, investigations, reviews, and consulting projects, working with the State Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, and other agencies in support of criminal investigations, as well as managing staff and several ongoing audits and investigations. “The IG Division serves as an important system of checks and balances of agencies funded by the Clerk and Comptroller and the Board of County Commissioners departments under the County Administrator,” said Clerk Burke. “Bringing a wealth of experience and training, Melissa will continue enriching the IG given her strong commitment to improve government and preserve the public trust.” “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Clerk Burke and former IG Collazo for their confidence in my ability to lead the talented team of the Division of Inspector General. I am dedicated to continue serving citizens by fulfilling the IG’s mission to promote accountability, integrity, and efficiency in our good government,” said the new IG, Melissa Dondero. About the Clerk’s Inspector General Division The Inspector General provides independent, objective assurance and consulting designed to add value and improve an organization's operations. The Pinellas County Division of Inspector General is responsible for auditing and investigating operations of the Board of County Commissioners, operations of the Clerk and Comptroller, contractors doing business with the County, and county revenue sources. To learn more, visit our Inspector General page. Related Pinellas Clerk’s Division of Inspector General Receives 3rd Statewide Reaccreditation With continued diligence and commitment to maintaining the highest recognition among Florida’s Inspector General community, the Pinellas Clerk’s Division of Inspector General received its third accreditation by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. Pinellas County Division of Inspector General Working to Receive 3rd Statewide Reaccreditation In an effort to retain its state level accreditation, the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Division of Inspector General (Pinellas County IG), is undergoing its 3rd Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) assessment. Voting Rights: Felony Conviction Amounts Due to the Pinellas Clerk’s Office A recent Federal Court decision affirmed the Florida Statutes requiring an individual with a felony conviction to complete all terms of a felony sentence, including payment of all court fines, fees, and restitution, in order for that individual’s voting rights to be restored. Although the administration of voting eligibility and registration is under the purview of the Supervisor of Elections and the Secretary of State, Clerks play a role in providing individuals with felony convictions with the information needed to satisfy the amounts due under their sentences. Time is Running Out to Save Big During the Pinellas Clerk’s Start Smart Campaign An abundance of citizens have already taken advantage of the special event hosted by the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s office. This community event is set to continue until Friday, March 10, 2017 and it has already helped many citizens reset the past and save a lot of money. Pinellas Clerk Receives Award Winning Recognition for Financial Reporting The Pinellas County Clerk’s office was once again recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) with two national awards in government financial reporting. For the 37th consecutive year, the Clerk’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) received the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Clerk’s Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), known as the Citizens’ Guide to County Finances, also received the association's award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for the 12th consecutive year. Registration Now Open for Pinellas Clerk’s 15th Annual Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremony Couples wanting to make the most romantic day of the year extra special, with a wedding or vow renewal, are encouraged to register for the Pinellas Clerk’s 15th Annual Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremony. Up to forty couples, twenty couples for the ceremony and twenty couples for renewals, are expected to be joined together on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14, 2021 in the picturesque Florida Botanical Gardens. Couples must register online no later than Friday, February 5, 2021 by visiting https://clerkvalentinesdaywedding.eventbrite.com. Article
