This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
John M. Drew (born May 31, 1973) is the current Tax Collector of Nassau County, Florida. Drew was first appointed by Governor Jeb Bush in May 2006 and was elected to office later that year.
Drew oversees property tax collection, the Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles, the Division of Driver Licenses, and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission. He has also volunteered with veterans' groups, education efforts, the arts and Micah's Place, the first Nassau County shelter for victims of domestic violence.
Background
Early life and family
John M. Drew was born in Nassau County, Florida, to schoolteacher Mary Tom Drew and mill worker Joe Drew. Drew is married to Dr. Catherine Hardee Drew, a clinical psychologist and CEO of Florida Psychological Associates. They have one son, Joseph Drew.
Education
John M. Drew graduated from Fernandina Beach High School after founding the "Nassau County Teen-Age Republicans".
He holds BA and MBA degrees from Jacksonville University, where he was baccalaureate speaker and was recognized with:
- "Scott Amos Alumni of Distinction" Award,
- "Presidential Distinguished Service" Award
- Order of the Green Key (Honorary Leadership Society)
- Order of the Dolphin
In addition to serving on the Jacksonville University's Alumni Board of Governors, he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus. He was also the youngest-ever graduate of their E.M.B.A. program.
Career
Tax collector
As tax collector, John M. Drew has won multiple Legacy Awards – a designation of excellence from the Florida Tax Collectors Association. Nassau County was the first Tax Collector's Office to issue concealed weapons permit renewals. He also created a new program enabling Florida tax collectors to provide citizens with duplicate birth certificates – a program now in place across the state.
Public service
In addition to his work as tax collector, John Drew also serves as:
- Chair of Legislative Policy (Gubernatorial Appointee): Northeast Florida Regional Council
- Member (and previous Chair), Nassau County's ADA Advisory Committee
Drew was President of the statewide Florida Tax Collector's Association, and served as:
- Chair, Legislative Committee
- Chair, Driver License Coalition
- Chair, Hunting & Fishing Coalition
- Chair, Education Committee
- Chair, Long Range and Strategic Planning Committee
- Participant, Kids Tag Art Program (which raised $1M for public schools)
On a national level, Drew is a member of the Legislative Committee of the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers and Finance Officers, an affiliate of the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States.
Republican Party
Drew was previously the Vice Chairman of the Nassau County Republican Party, and has served as its Precinct Committee member since 2000.
Past affiliations include:
- President of the Nassau County Young Republicans
- Vice Chairman of the Nassau County Republican Party
- 2000 Campaign Manager for Florida State Representative Aaron Bean
- Executive Board Member, Nassau County Republican Party
Community service
Drew helped to found Micah's Place, a facility in Nassau County for domestic violence victims. He went on to serve seven years on their board.
Drew serves on the board of the Nassau Education Foundation, which provides classroom grants to public schools and recognizes outstanding teachers and students.
He has also served as:
- President: Nassau Friends of Scouting
- President: Nassau County Volunteer Center
- Chairman: Amelia Island Montessori School Board of Directors
- President: Fernandina Beach Optimist Club
- 1st Vice President: Fernandina Beach Shrine Club
- Deacon: First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach
- Volunteer: Amelia Musical Playhouse
Drew is the only Honorary Member of both the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Fire Fighters in Nassau County.
References
- "Public Notice: 2020 Tax Roll Open for Payment". Fernandina Beach News Leader. November 3, 2020. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- Hurst, Mary (May 20, 2006). "Governor Taps Drew as New Tax Collector". Florida Times-Union. Archived from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
- Davis, Rachel (September 6, 2006). "Drew Returned to Tax Office". Florida Times-Union. Archived from the original on March 14, 2020. Retrieved August 30, 2012.
- ^ "John M. Drew, Nassau County Tax Collector". Island Chamber of Commerce. December 9, 2020. Archived from the original on July 27, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
- ^ Thamm, Suanne (2020-12-18). "Amelia Musical Playhouse Presents Scrooge". Fernandina Observer. Archived from the original on 2022-07-27. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
- "Candidate: John M. Drew". Voter Focus. September 6, 2012. Archived from the original on July 27, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
- ^ "John Mitchael Drew". Tax Collector: Nassau County. 2020-01-01. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
- "JU Honors John Drew as Distinguished Alumnus". News Leader. November 4, 2010. Archived from the original on 2013-01-23.
- Thamm, Suanne (October 4, 2018). "Nassau County Tax Collector John Drew Receives State Award for Excellence". Fernandina Observer. Archived from the original on July 27, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
- "Standing Committees". Northeast Florida Regional Council. Archived from the original on 2021-03-26. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
- "2019–2020 Board Officers". Northeast Florida Regional Council. Archived from the original on 2021-03-26. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
- "Drew Leads State Tax Collectors". News Leader (Fernandina Beach). October 13, 2011. Archived from the original on 2013-01-23.
- "Florida Tax Collectors Kids Tag Art Program Expects to Hit $1 Million in Classroom Support". Florida Tax Collectors Association. 15 December 2017. Archived from the original on 2020-12-09. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
- "Membership: National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers & Finance Officers". NACCTFO. 2020-12-14. Archived from the original on August 8, 2016. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
- Levine-Brown, Patti (November 24, 2001). "JU students present plans to non-profits". Florida Times-Union.
- "Nassau Education Foundation". Nassau Education Foundation. Archived from the original on 2021-01-19. Retrieved 2020-12-14.