CRYSTAL WAITERS, BREA STYLES RECEIVE PROMOTIONS
With Manatee County Government
Crystal Waiters and Brea Styles were recently promoted with the Manatee County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller’s Office, Child Support Services. Waiters, who was previously the Deputy Director, was promoted to Director, and Styles, previously a Supervisor, will assume the position of Deputy Director vacated by Waiters. They assumed their new positions this month at the retirement of current Director Judy Powell, and will be working with 47 team members.
Angel Colonneso, Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, was excited about the two promotions. “Crystal and Brea will make an excellent team in our Child Support Program,” Colonneso said.
“They are innovative and forward thinking. I have witnessed firsthand their attention to detail and most importantly, their dedication to exceptional customer service. The Child Support Program will be in excellent hands.”
Waiters has worked for the Clerk’s Office for 28 years. She began her career as a receptionist for the child support program. Subsequently, she was promoted to Case Manager, Senior Case Manager, Supervisor and then Deputy Director. As Director, her duties and responsibilities will consist of effectively and efficiently managing the overall operations of the department. “I am elated to be afforded this opportunity,” Waiters said. “Having the continued ability to work with the public, coupled with an amazing team, I consider myself extremely blessed and I am grateful,” she said. Waiters believes in the adage that ‘it’s not where you start, but how you finish.’
A Manatee County native, Waiters holds a Liberal Arts degree and an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice from State College of Florida, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from the University of South Florida. “Every day presents a different learning opportunity,” she said, “whether it’s working with a customer, a team member, or a combination of both, the exchange of information facilitates change along with growth and I embrace them both.”
Transitioning from Supervisor to Deputy Director, Styles will manage the overall operations of the department. She began her career as a Case Manager and was subsequently promoted to various positions, including Court Team, Senior Case Manager, Supervisor and now Deputy Director. She will be responsible for recruiting, retaining and developing staff to meet business demands and for managing the operations of the division. In the absence of the Director of Child Support, she will also ensure effective and efficient operations of all divisions. “I’m extremely excited,” said Styles. “I believe to whom much is given, much is required. I’m humble as well as welcome this awesome opportunity and new chapter in my career.”
Styles, also a Manatee County native, has been with the Child Support Program for 22 years. She graduated from Southeast High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Social Studies from the University of South Florida. She is a member of the Bradenton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Greater Manatee Chapter of Women in Government. She says she loves living and working in the community where she was raised. “I believe civic responsibility and community involvement is very important to me and I’m fortunate to have a great job that enables me to do both,” she said.
“Whether interacting with customers or participating in programs such as Dive-Into-Reading and many other volunteer opportunities through work, each day I can make a meaningful impact in someone’s life.”
On average the child support division collects and disburses approximately 25-million dollars per year to families in Manatee County. “Ensuring children continue to receive the support they need and deserve is paramount,” said Styles. “We offer in person services by way of appointments, Monday through Friday, and look forward to serving the community.”
