After 15 years with the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Division of Inspector General (IG), Hector Collazo Jr. officially retired on June 30th, after building the IG to be a benchmark for other Offices of Inspectors General in the State of Florida. Ken Burke, Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, announced the promotion of Melissa Dondero to Inspector General/Chief Audit Executive, effective July 5, 2020.
Melissa has spent her entire 16+ year career at the Clerk’s office in the Division of Inspector General. She has a Master of Accountancy in Accounting Information Systems and Bachelor of Science in Accounting, both from the University of South Florida. Melissa has multiple professional certifications including Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, and Certified Inspector General. Having joined the Clerk’s office in 2003 as an entry level auditor, Melissa was mentored by experienced and knowledgeable coworkers, and worked her way up to management. As an Assistant Inspector General for the past five years, Melissa is skilled at conducting audits, investigations, reviews, and consulting projects, working with the State Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, and other agencies in support of criminal investigations, as well as managing staff and several ongoing audits and investigations.
“The IG Division serves as an important system of checks and balances of agencies funded by the Clerk and Comptroller and the Board of County Commissioners departments under the County Administrator,” said Clerk Burke. “Bringing a wealth of experience and training, Melissa will continue enriching the IG given her strong commitment to improve government and preserve the public trust.”
“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Clerk Burke and former IG Collazo for their confidence in my ability to lead the talented team of the Division of Inspector General. I am dedicated to continue serving citizens by fulfilling the IG’s mission to promote accountability, integrity, and efficiency in our good government,” said the new IG, Melissa Dondero.
About the Clerk’s Inspector General Division
The Inspector General provides independent, objective assurance and consulting designed to add value and improve an organization's operations. The Pinellas County Division of Inspector General is responsible for auditing and investigating operations of the Board of County Commissioners, operations of the Clerk and Comptroller, contractors doing business with the County, and county revenue sources. To learn more, visit our Inspector General page.