Introduction
John M. Drew (born May 31, 1973) is the current Tax Collector of Nassau County, Florida. He was first appointed Tax Collector by Governor Jeb Bush in May 2006. He was elected to the office later that year.
Drew oversees property tax collection, the Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles, the Division of Driver Licenses, and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission. He has also volunteered with veterans' groups, education efforts, the arts and Micah's Place, the first Nassau County shelter for victims of domestic violence.
Background
Early Life and Family
John M. Drew was born in Nassau County, FL to schoolteacher Mary Tom Drew and mill worker Joe Drew. John is married to Dr. Catherine Hardee Drew, PhD, clinical psychologist and C.E.O. of Florida Psychological Associates. They have one son, Joseph Drew. John and Joseph performed together in the musicals "Scrooge" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Amelia Musical Playhouse.
Education
John M. Drew graduated from Fernandina Beach High School after founding the "Nassau County Teen-Age Republicans."
He holds B.A. and M.B.A. degrees from Jacksonville University, where he was Baccalaureate Speaker and was recognized with:
- "Scott Amos Alumni of Distinction" Award,
- "Presidential Distinguished Service" Award
- Order of the Green Key (Honorary Leadership Society)
- Order of the Dolphin
In addition to serving on the Jacksonville University's Alumni Board of Governors, he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus. He was also the youngest-ever graduate of their E.M.B.A. program.
Career
Tax Collector
As tax collector, John M. Drew has won multiple Legacy Awards - a designation of excellence from the Florida Tax Collectors Association.Nassau County was the first Tax Collector's Office to issue concealed weapons permit renewals. He also created a new program enabling Florida tax collectors to provide citizens with duplicate birth certificates – a program now in place across the state.
Public Service
In addition to his work as Tax Collector, John Drew also serves as:
- Legislative Policy Chairman (Gubernational Appointee): Northeast Florida Regional Council
- Member (and previous Chair), Nassau County's ADA Advisory Committee
Drew was President of the statewide Florida Tax Collector's Association, and served as:
- Chair, Driver License Coalition
- Chair, Hunting & Fishing Coalition
- Chair, Education Committee
- Chair, Long Range and Strategic Planning Committee
- Participant, Kids Tag Art Program (which raised $1M for public schools)
On a national level, Drew is a member of the Legislative Committee of the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers and Finance Officers, an affiliate of the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States.
Republican Party
Drew was previously the Vice Chairman of the Nassau County Republican Party, and has served as its Precinct Committeeman since 2002.
Past affiliations include:
- President of the Nassau County Young Republicans
- Vice Chairman of the Nassau County Republican Party
- 2000 Campaign Manager for Florida State Representative Aaron Bean
- Executive Board Member, Nassau County Republican Party
Community service
Drew helped to found Micah's Place, a facility in Nassau County for domestic violence victims who had nowhere to go until the creation of Micah's Place. He went on to serve seven years on their Board.
Drew serves on the board of the Nassau Education Foundation, which provides classroom grants to public schools and recognizes outstanding teachers and students.
He has also served as:
- President: Nassau Friends of Scouting
- President: Nassau County Volunteer Center
- Chairman: Amelia Island Montessori School Board of Directors
- President: Fernandina Beach Optimist Club
- 1st Vice President: Fernandina Beach Shrine Club
- Deacon: First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach
- Volunteer: Amelia Musical Playhouse
Drew is the only Honorary Member of both the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Fire Fighters in Nassau County.