Accolades — Barbara Ford-Coates for Tax Collector

Bachelor's Degree, the College of William and Mary in Virginia
Certificate in Theological Education, the University of the South
Certified Public Manager, Center for Public Management, Florida State University
Certified Finance Official, University of Tennessee
Certified Finance Master, University of Missouri - St. Louis

2016 named a Public Sector Champion for Excellence in Office Leadership by Thomson Reuters
13 times awarded Florida Excellence in Finance Operations
2009 named a "Best Boss" by Biz941
2008 Outstanding Tax Collector in USA, National Association of County Collectors,Treasurers & Finance Officers
Expanded office hours for better customer service
First Tax Collector to offer Driver's License services (at downtown Sarasota Office)
First Tax Collector boating safety program
Piloted a public-private partnership for car dealers to electronically register customers' vehicles
First county to use automated clearing house system
Implemented Tax Collector website giving customers 24-hour access to a variety of information, forms and links plus the ability to inquire on property taxes
Expanded property tax payment options to include credit cards and e-check online or byphone
Regular Services at North Port City Hall
First Tax Collector to email Tax Bill information
First Tax Collector to email Business Tax notices

Girls Inc. of Sarasota County, President 1992
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, 1991-present
Manatee Community College Institute of Government Steering Committee, Chair 1990-92
Florida Constitution Revision Commission, 1998
- Author of Universal Primary Provision
League of Women Voters of Sarasota County, Treasurer
Florida Tax Collectors Association, President 2001
Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Grants Committee 2006
Non-Profit Resource Center Advisory Board, Chair 2006
National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers & Finance Officers, President 2006
National Association of Counties, Board of Directors 2007-2010