Founded in 1935, by growers for growers, the Florida Department of Citrus has long supported the industry through the promotion, regulation, and protection of Florida Citrus.

Today, that mission is alive and well.

Over the next several weeks, join us for a mini-series featuring a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most unique government agencies in the country to learn more about who we are, what we do, and why.
Edition 4: Administration and Finance - Part 1

For this edition of Inside the FDOC, we highlight the diverse functions of the Administration and Finance team. With so many responsibilities on their plate, we couldn’t encompass it all in one edition. Expect to learn more in the conclusion of this mini-series next week. 
What We Do

There’s a reason we saved Administration and Finance for last. With responsibilities spanning across the business, there’s not much this team doesn’t touch.

From keeping the lights on to ensuring vendors fulfill contractual obligations, the team’s main focus boils down to serving as safeguards of the financial, physical, and digital assets entrusted to the FDOC by growers. 
How We Do It

Building Maintenance
Part of keeping the lights on is working lightbulbs in the sockets. While the FDOC is fortunate to have use of a state building to serve as headquarters and to host Florida Citrus Commission meetings, the building maintenance team ensures it remains a safe, operational facility for employees, the industry, and the public by doing regular repairs, updates, and caretaking to the Bartow facility. 

Information Technology
Few other areas experience change at a faster rate than information technology (IT). From keeping the Department operational through a hurricane to ensuring staff can connect instantly with agency partners on the other side of the globe, the FDOC’s IT team keeps business going no matter the circumstances. This team is also responsible for the protection of digital assets and important data for the industry.

Purchasing
From the purchase of a ball point pen to the procurement of a multi-million-dollar marketing firm's services, the purchasing team seeks the highest possible value for goods and services in every scenario. Experts in navigating the state’s stringent procurement policies, this team takes accountability to the next level. 

Accounting
From the multi-step invoice review process (see infographic below) to meeting state requirements on operating budgets and legislative budget requests, the accounting team is responsible for ensuring the judicious spending of public dollars.

Additional oversight from the Commission, industry and Florida Statutes, policies, and rules place an extra layer of accountability on the FDOC in its mission to be good stewards of both grower and state dollars.
Why We Do It

As vital as safeguarding assets is for any organization, there is a special significance in doing so for the benefit of the Florida grower. While this team won’t often find itself in a grove, a deep commitment to the future of Florida Citrus keeps them going.
What's on Tap for Summer

Working in collaboration, the IT, building maintenance and purchasing teams are exploring ways to improve the experience of public meetings in the Florida Citrus Commission chamber through modernization of the audiovisual and technology systems. The group hopes to make updates during the 2021-22 season. 
The Team:

Christine Marion, Deputy Executive Director
With nearly three decades of governmental accounting experience, Christine leads the diverse range of employees and services under administration and finance. Christine has been a Certified Management Accountant for 17 years and has a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Kim Pittzer, Administrative Services Manager
The newest addition to the FDOC team, Kim manages the accounting team, oversees procurement and heads building services with more than 25 years of accounting experience at the corporate level. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration focusing on accounting, procurement, and management.

Merlene Solomon, Assistant Finance and Accounting Director
With dual master’s degrees in business administration and accounting, Merlene ensures expenses follow regulatory guidelines and departmental policies. 

Angi Patsue, Accountant
Bringing more than a decade of experience to the accounting team, Angi handles international contracts and accounts payable. 

Kay Anderson, Accountant
Three decades of experience in the groves and packing houses gave Kay a unique understanding of the industry. Today she serves on the accounting team handling budget and international contracts for the FDOC. 

Darla Marquis, Administrative Assistant
With more than 23 years of experience in accounting and inventory control, Darla supports the FDOC’s administration, purchasing, and support services.

Steve Noreika, Computer Programmer Analyst
A retired Air Force veteran with 36 years in the IT field, Steve keeps the staff connected. He has dual bachelor’s degrees in computer science and mathematics.
Follow Florida Citrus in South Korea!

Experience Florida Orange Juice and Florida Grapefruit through the eyes of Koreans who turn to Florida Citrus for health, beauty and its great taste.

Learn more about how the FDOC reaches consumers in South Korea by following our social media channels below.

Spotlight: Inspector General
Who better to prevent or detect fraud, waste, and misuse than a retired FBI agent? As Inspector General, Kevin Eaton reports directly to the Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission and FDOC Executive Director providing independent audits, investigations, and management reviews of FDOC programs, contracts, and policies. His work not only promotes efficient use of FDOC dollars but helps develop performance measurements and assess potential risks.

A graduate of Marshall University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Eaton served with the FBI for 26 years, most recently as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Tampa Field Office.
Mark Your Calendars
FCC: The Florida Citrus Commission will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 9 a.m. in Bartow. 
Have questions? Send them our way. Email [email protected].