The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office announces that Judy Powell, Director, of the Child Support Program (CSP), will retire

The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office announces that Judy Powell, Director, of the Child Support Program (CSP), will retire, effective September 11, 2020.  

Powell has worked for the Clerk’s office since August 1985.  During her time at the Clerk’s Office, she has held the titles of: Secretary, Case Manager, Supervisor, Trainer, Deputy Director and Director.  For the past 10 years, Powell served as the Director of CSP.  “I am so very thankful for the opportunity to have a career with the Clerk’s office,” said Powell.  “This simply would not have been possible without the support and encouragement from Clerk of Court Angel Colonneso.”  Ms. Colonneso said while she is sad to see Powell go, she wishes her luck in the future.  “Judy Powell was always creative and innovative in her approach with her team in Child Support,” said Colonneso.  She always has a “can do” attitude and along with her team, was a solid rock to count on, especially with the challenges that we have faced this year.  She will be greatly missed.”

Powell was born in North Florida and has her B.A. Degree in Psychology from Lee University in Tennessee.  She has been married to her husband, Victor, for 40 years.  They have two sons, two daughters-in-law, two grandsons and four granddaughters, plus a huge extended family.

Crystal Waiters, the current Deputy Director of CSP, will be taking over as Director upon Powell’s retirement. “I am elated to be afforded this opportunity,” said Waiters, who has been working side by side with Powell for the past year.  “Having the continued ability to work with the public, coupled with an amazing team, I consider myself extremely blessed and am grateful.”  Waiters is a Manatee County native and has worked for the Clerk’s Office for 28 years.  Brea Styles, the current Supervisor of CSP, is moving to Deputy Director.  “I’m extremely excited,” said Styles.  “I believe to whom much is given, much is required. I’m humble as well as welcome this awesome opportunity and new chapter in my career.”   Styles, is also a Manatee County native and has been with CSP for 22 years. 

The Child Support Program in Manatee County is unique in that it is the only child support office in the state administered by the Clerk of the Circuit Court.  On average CSP, collects and disburses approximately 25-million dollars per year to families in Manatee County. 

On behalf of everyone at the Manatee Clerk’s Office, we wish Powell the best of luck.