Ray Valdes
It is with great pride and appreciation for your support that I serve the citizens of Seminole County as the elected Tax Collector. As one of your public officials, you may wish to know more about me.
Originally from Savannah, GA, my family and I relocated from South to Central Florida in 1978. I am married, have 3 children, and am a graduate of the University of Georgia. First elected Seminole County Tax Collector in November, 1988, and successfully reelected each 4 year cycle, including 2008. Prior to seeking public office, I held top division and corporate management positions with three “Fortune 100 Corporations”.
In addition to serving you, I have been elected by peers as President of all Florida Tax Collectors, President of the National Association of County Treasurers, Finance Officers, and Tax Collectors, President of the National Conference of Republican County Officials, and Vice-President of the National Association of County Hispanic Officials. A few years ago I developed a national position paper for reform of the US Bankruptcy Code pertaining to local tax issues, most of which are in a bill passed by Congress. It was a pleasure to be invited and appear before a sub-committee of the US House Judiciary Committee as an “expert witness”.
My business experience and general background allows me to apply the leadership that has earned the Seminole County Tax Collector’s Office a reputation of being one of the most efficient and friendly government offices in Seminole County, in the State of Florida, and in the nation. It was an honor to be selected by a panel of independent national judges as the United States “County Treasurer/Tax Collector of the Year” in 1999.
