CLERK OF COURT & COMPTROLLER

The Florida Guard and Reserve has presented Accounting Manager Catherine Edwards with the Patriot Award for the support she has given one of her Army Reserve employees.

The award is given by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve of the Department of Defense to supervisors nominated by an employee. The award honors the assistance given members of the Guard and Reserve through various ways, including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.

Edwards was nominated by Yadira Baez, Accounts Receivable Supervisor in the County Finance Department. Baez is a staff sergeant in the Army Reserve, a job that requires her to take frequent leaves of absence. “I know it’s not easy when I have to leave and sometimes it’s on very short notice,” said Baez. “But I’ve never had any issues. So that makes it easier for me to leave because I know they are taking care of business.”

Edwards, who has worked for the Clerk’s Office for 25 years and supervises eight people, said she was honored by the award. “It was a complete surprise, completely out of the blue,” she said.  “It represents the kind of management environment that Pat encourages for all of us. I think the culture of our organization lends toward us doing that.” 

 “Although they already serve us in many ways, it is nice to know, on a personal level, that our Vets appreciate being appreciated."

Clerk of Court & Comptroller Pat Frank said the award reflects the value the office places on team work. “We all work together toward a common purpose: to serve the public,” she said.

Pictured in photo:  Clerk of Court Pat Frank, Catherine Edwards, Bill Mitchell of the Florida Guard & Reserve and Yadira Baez.