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Osceola Woman Making History – Katrina Scarborough
“I feel that our community is different from most; the collaboration amongst our community leaders and elected officials is very unique and special. We are a very warm and open group that approach challenges as a whole, and strive to keep our traditions and heritage alive.” –Katrina Scarborough
We sat down with Osceola County Property Appraiser, Katrina Scarborough, and talked about what it takes to make history in your own backyard. Her path to achievement is inspirational, proving that hard work and a love for what you do, make the perfect potion for success.
OW: What made you decide to work in government/civil service?
KS: I was looking for a job as a teenager, and the Property Appraiser at the time gave me a part time job. I would go to school in the morning and work in the afternoon. Once I graduated, he offered me a full time position. At first, I was simply looking for a job, but it turned out, I really liked what I did and decided to make it a career.
OW: Tell us more about you! How you got to Osceola County, and what your life was like leading up to your current career path?
KW: Born and raised here in Osceola County; I’m a sixth generation resident, and a graduate from Osceola High School….Osceola County is our home!
I started working for the Property Appraisers office while still in high school, then transferred to full time after graduation. I worked hard, and was afforded the opportunity to learn almost every area of the office, beginning at the front desk and working my way up to the Supervisor over the Land Records Department (mapping). I did leave for a short time and worked for Patsy Heffner in the Tax Collector’s office as the Delinquent Tax Administrator. When the Governor appointed Atlee Mercer as the Property Appraiser in 2006, he brought me in as Chief of Staff for the office and I decided to run for office in 2008. I have almost 30-years of experience in the office, with seven of those years’ as the Property Appraiser.
OW: For us working Moms, how did you balance work and home life, when your kids were younger?
KW: I’m a proud mother to four amazing boys, and I raised three of them as a single mom, so balancing work and home life wasn’t an option! My youngest is eleven, so the juggle of work and his youth activities is still a main priority. I find that staying organized, committed, and surrounding yourself with a great support system (both professional and personally) is the key to success. I have continued to stay focused on my career, future, and those that are important to me.
OW: If you could tell your 17 year-old-self anything, what would it be?
Ks: Always strive to do your best at everything you do; hard work does pay off. You will have bumps in the road; stay focused and you will always overcome.
OW: Who is your mentor?
KS: My parents; they are the most positive role models, and I’m beyond blessed to have them help guide such a wonderful path for me to follow. Their support is amazing and I cherish it every day.
OW: How would you like to make history in Osceola County?
KS: I’ve made history already!! By being the first woman Property Appraiser for Osceola County, and I continue each day by still holding this honored position. Editor Note: The Property Appraiser office has won multiple awards under Katrina’s leadership. The office received the “Certificate of Excellence” by the IAAO (International Association of Assessing Officers) in 2010 for using best practices in Assessment Administration, and the SAG Award (Special Achievement in GIS) in 2015.
OW: What are your best hopes for the future of our county?
KS: To grow as a community and to stay focused on matters at hand. I feel that our community is different from most, the collaboration amongst our community leaders and elected officials is very unique and special, we are a very warm and open group that approach challenges as a whole and strive to keep our traditions and heritage alive.
Katrina Scarborough was elected Property Appraiser in 2008 and re-elected in 2012.
A 28-year veteran in the property appraiser field, Katrina has worked in almost every area of the Osceola County Property Appraiser’s Office and in the field. She briefly left the Property Appraiser’s Office to work on the senior management staff for Tax Collector Patsy Heffner, and, in 2006, Katrina returned to the Property Appraiser’s Office to serve as Chief of Staff. In this position, she managed daily operations of the office, maintained the Tax Roll and Property Ownership Records and administered the annual budget.
Katrina is a Certified Florida Appraiser, Certified Cadastralist of Florida, and Master Cadastralist of Florida. She is a member of the International Association of Assessing Officers, Florida Chapter of International Association of Assessing Officers, Property Appraiser’s Association of Florida, and Florida Association of Cadastral Mappers. She currently is President of the Board of Directors for the Osceola County Historical Society and the Osceola Council on Aging and holds the position of Vice President for the Property Appraiser’s Association of Florida. She also serves on the board of directors for Christmas for the Kids and is a past board member of the Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber of Commerce. In addition, she is a graduate of the 2008 Leadership Osceola Class. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her four sons: Timothy, Chase, Ty, and Caden and her granddaughter Skylar.
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