2018 Summer Newsletter

PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION SPOTLIGHT: UZMA SAYED, AAS, CFE

Name: Uzma Sayed

County: Pinellas

Position: Tax Roll Compliance Manager

Briefly describe your appraisal/assessment experience. I started working with the Department of Revenue as an Administrative Assistant. As I learned property appraisal and assessment practices, I discovered I had an aptitude and understanding of these principles. When the opportunity to learn business and appraisal practices from a Property Appraiser perspective arose, I joined the Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s Office. I currently hold the position of Tax Roll Compliance Manager. In my current position, my main role is to ensure that the Pinellas County Tax Roll is accurate and certified.

Uzma Sayed, AAS, CFE

Why did you pursue the AAS designation? I wanted to pursue the AAS designation for the last 10 years; however, life got in the way. I was fortunate enough to complete all the necessary education and finally gain the courage to attempt the exams. When I started my career at the Department of Revenue, six team members had just received the AAS designation. This inspired me to aim for the same designation. It took me 10 years, but I am proud to say that I achieved it! What other designations and/or licenses have you obtained or intend to obtain? I have successfully completed the Certified Public Manager designation last year. The Certified Public Man- ager course is offered by Florida State University and allowed me to obtain a better insight into best manage- rial practices. Additionally, I have the Certified Florida Evaluator designation from Department of Revenue and still maintain my Real Estate Broker’s license. Do you participate in any type of mentoring or advisory programs? I mentor and encourage my team and co-workers whenever possible. One of my team members has been inspired to obtain the AAS designation. I wish her success in her endeavor. What advice would you give to someone considering an IAAO designation? My advice to anyone considering any IAAO designations is to pursue it as soon as they have completed the required courses. This will make reviewing the content easier. I would tell everyone to attempt the exams and “Just Do It”. While pursuing your designation, did anything surprise you? What surprised me is the time and effort it took to prepare for the exams. Once you review the content, you realize how much dedication it takes. What is your favorite vacation and/or hobbies you enjoy? My favorite vacations consist of hiking in nature. We recently visited Colorado and fell in love with the ma- jestic snow-covered mountains. Our retirement dream would be to spend the summer months in Colorado and escape back to Florida for the winter.

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Summer 2018 Newsletter of the FCIAAO