Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles is delighted to announce a fresh addition to her Office’s top management: Kim Thompson has been named Chief Operations Officer.
With nearly a quarter-century of service to Florida clerk and comptroller offices, Kim brings experience, accomplishment, and proven leadership to her new role.
“Kim’s leadership experience was the right fit for the position,” said Clerk Nikki, the former COO who, since her July 1 appointment to succeed retiring Clerk & Comptroller Paula O’Neil, had been managing the duties of both positions.
A native of West Palm Beach, Kim began her career in public service at the Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office. After 15 years, she joined the Pasco Clerk & Comptroller’s Office in 2010 and rose to Criminal Courts Director in 2011.
Besides overseeing smooth, reliable, and efficient support to our justice system partners, during her tenure, Kim’s department converted its jury management and case system management systems to user-friendly online formats. The department also implemented the criminal image viewer, updating workflows to incorporate management of images to the benefit of customers and partners.
And her team’s contribution to the annual Operation Stand Down Veterans Court – creating the schedule of hearings; tracking details in the remote, makeshift courtroom; and making certain each vet’s case is properly categorized and filed – is incalculable.
“I look forward,” Kim said, “to supporting our team, our partners, and our community as the Chief Operations Officer.”
As COO, Kim will have oversight of Criminal and Civil Courts, Information Technology, and Financial Services. Heather Grimes continues as Chief Administrative Officer, presiding over Records, Human Resources, Budget & Purchasing, and Communications.
Kim has a master’s in business administration from Nova Southeastern University. She’s also a graduate of the Certified Public Administrator program operated in affiliation with Florida State University.