Former resident earns state award

Joanna Whitt, a 1977 graduate of Gallatin R-5, recently received the State of Missouri Distinguished Administrative Service Award. Ms. Whitt is the Branch Manager for the Department of Revenue in the downtown Kansas City Branch Office of Motor Vehicle and Drivers License. Joanna has been an employee of the State of Missouri for 15 years. She has been involved in several community projects, including being a member of the Waterfield North Subdivision board.

Joanna started employment with the State of Missouri as a field representative, where she supervised 17 fee and branch offices. She has served on several committees in Jefferson City that pertain to policies within the Department of Revenue. Her duties now as branch manager are to supervise 16 employees. The Kansas City office is responsible for providing Motor Vehicle and Drivers Licensing services to over 167,024 constituents a year. Joanna is responsible for making sure the office is staffed at all times and customers are taken care of. Her work involves training and supervising technical licensing staff; interpreting and explaining policies, rules and regulations to staff and the general public, and ensuring good customer relations. She also oversees the collection of sales taxes and licensing fees, the daily transmittal of licensing transactions and bank deposits, and the security and reconciliation of license plate, tab, sticker, decal, and permit inventory.

Ms. Whitt has served on the Department of revenue Fraudulent Team in Jefferson City. Her input has provided them with several changes that have been implemented throughout the state. She promotes teamwork within the office, as well as good customer service. Joanna’s goal is to meet the customers’ expectations. In February 1999, she received a letter from the Director of Revenue, Quentin Wilson, stating: “This is just a note to let you know that your hard work during the month of February 1999 has not gone unnoticed. Our records indicate that your office’s transaction rejection rate was below 1%. I commend you for achieving this impressive accuracy rate; your first time quality customer serve enables the Department of Revenue to provide fast and efficient serve to the public. We very much value your expertise and commitment to the Department and the citizens of Missouri. Again, I commend you and your staff. Keep up the good work!”

Joanna also received the Director’s Award for Quality and Productivity. She has served as a member of the Senate Bill 70 Team. Her leadership skills benefit her community as well as her office and its employees.

The daughter of the late Gene and Joann Barlow and granddaughter of Helen Barlow of Gallatin, Mrs. Whitt’s husband is Steve Whitt, son of Jim and Sharon Whitt of Gallatin. The couple has two children, Jennifer, 9, and Joshua, 4. Steve Whitt and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Whitt attended the May 6th awards presentation at the Marriott Hotel in Kansas City. [Submitted Photo]