Carmen McIlwaine is the 2016 Lillie Robinson Humanitarian Award recipient (Published 10-12-2016)
Each year the Manatee County Tax Collector's office selects an employee who embodies our core value of Community and Social Responsibility. "The Lillie Award" honors Lillie Robinson, an employee who contributed thousands of hours of volunteer service before her untimely death in 2012. Candidates are nominated by their peers and selected by the tax collector's senior team. This year's nominees were Carmen McIlwaine and Sara Sasada.The 2016 Lillie Robinson Humanitarian Award recipient is Carmen McIlwaine. Nominated two years in a row, Carmen truly exhibits the spirit of community and social responsibility that Lillie patterned in her life. When one considers the word "humanitarian" (having concern for or helping to improve the welfare and happiness of people), it describes Carmen McIlwaine in every aspect of her life, at home, in the community, socially and in the workplace.
During her 35 years of service to the tax collector's office, Carmen has worked in many of the branches and currently manages the North River office in Ellenton. A lifelong Manatee County resident, Carmen has lived in the Palmetto area and been involved in the community. She is well respected and has touched many people's lives over her career. Many customers stop in the office just to say "Hi, how are you doing?"
Growing up, Carmen had a passion for the piano, but her parents could not afford music lessons. Her grandparents gave her their used upright piano, and in the bench were her aunt's music books. So she taught herself how to play the piano. Carmen was also fascinated with the organ, so she taught herself how to play the organ!
For nearly 40 years Carmen has volunteered in the beginners and kindergarten classes of her church, playing the piano for the Sabbath morning program. Carmen has watched the little ones grow up and now have families of their own. When the church organist moved away in 1985, Carmen took on the responsibility and continues today.
Carmen is very dedicated to her family, is a role model at work, and is the first to "own" a project. Her willingness and confidence to tackle anything is exhilarating. Carmen is a mentor, friend and confidant. She will give you her shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, and kind words for inspiration. She ALWAYS has time for you. Humanitarian = Carmen.
Because Carmen treats everyone with integrity and respect and exemplifies our Community and Social Responsibility core value, she was selected as this year's recipient. The Lillie Award carries with it a certificate, name engraved on the trophy, listed on the Lillie Robinson Humanitarian Award page on the office web, a Popi's Restaurants gift certificate, a bonus unileave day, and names a themed casual day in her honor.
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The mission of the Manatee County Tax Collector's Office is to perform our duties with integrity and respect, focusing on innovation and serving with excellence.
Manatee County Tax Collector is a 2011 Governor's Sterling Award Recipient
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