Jennifer K. Pettina
Bellefonte
Summary
County government executive with expertise in tax administration and public sector operations. Proven track record in directing delinquent tax collection processes and developing compliance strategies. Demonstrated ability to optimize departmental budgets while advocating for equitable tax practices. Skilled in fostering professional development within teams to enhance overall performance.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Tax Claims and Collections
Centre County Government
Bellefonte
01.2022 - Current
- Direct all operations of the Tax Claim Bureau and Tax Collection Department, overseeing delinquent tax collection, tax certifications, and compliance with Pennsylvania Real Estate Tax Sale Law.
- Lead all phases of delinquent tax enforcement, including upset, judicial, and repository sales.
- Supervise department staff and independently elected or appointed municipal tax collectors, ensuring compliance, accountability, and professional development.
- Establish and implement policies, procedures, and operational controls to improve efficiency, consistency, and statutory compliance.
- Managed departmental budgets and resources, optimizing funding allocation for tax operations.
- Prepared and monitored departmental budgets, financial reports, and revenue distribution to ensure compliance and transparency.
- Oversee escrow tax collection processes and ensure accurate reconciliation and distribution of funds.
- Collaborate with legal counsel on tax sale petitions, court filings, deed preparation, and related court proceedings.
- Developed and maintained operational and compliance reports, providing critical insights to county leadership and stakeholders.
- Respond to Right-to-Know requests and provide expert guidance to property owners, attorneys, financial institutions, title companies, and municipal officials.
- Provide leadership in high-stress, sensitive, and complex taxpayer situations requiring discretion and sound judgment.
Assistant Chief Assessor / Supervisor, CPE
Centre County Government
Bellefonte
01.2013 - 12.2021
- Supervised daily operations of the Assessment Office, including management of professional, field, and clerical staff.
- Directed valuation activities for approximately 56,000 parcels, ensuring uniformity, accuracy, and compliance with state law.
- Oversaw property inspections, permit administration, deed transfers, acreage changes, and homestead/farmstead program administration to ensure compliance and accuracy in assessments.
- Reviewed appeals, appraisals, and valuation analyses; prepared briefs and provided testimony before the Board of Assessment Appeals.
- Administered compliance reviews for Clean and Green properties under Acts 319 and 516.
- Developed and implemented office policies, procedures, and training programs, enhancing operational effectiveness and staff competency.
- Coordinated with municipalities, code officials, taxpayers, attorneys, appraisers, and developers on assessment matters to facilitate clear communication and efficient processes.
Field Assessor II
Centre County Government
Bellefonte
01.2005 - 12.2013
- Led field assessments and trained new assessment staff to enhance team effectiveness.
- Conducted property inspections, valuation analyses, and data collection for new construction and property improvements.
- Reviewed building plans, sales data, and market information to establish accurate property valuations.
- Prepared property sketches, calculated areas, and maintained detailed records in the CAMA system.
- Processed building permits and monitored construction activity to ensure timely assessments.
- Communicated assessment methodologies and valuation determinations to property owners and taxpayers, ensuring transparency in the assessment process.
- Collaborated with municipal officials, realtors, appraisers, and developers.
Field Assessor I
Centre County Government
Bellefonte
01.2004 - 12.2005
- Conducted on-site property inspections, collecting data to inform accurate property valuations.
- Reviewed building permits, plans, and real estate sales to support accurate assessments.
- Prepared sketches, calculated building areas, and entered property data into the CAMA system.
- Assisted property owners and builders by clarifying valuation methods and assessment processes to enhance understanding.
- Prepared specialized reports to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies governing property assessments.
Education
Certificate - Essentials of Supervison For Centre County Leaders
Penn State Smeal College of Business
Penn State Executive Programs08-2025
Supervisory Leadership Training -
Centre County Government
01-2017
Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator (CPE) -
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of State
06-2004
Coursework in relevant studies -
Pennsylvania State University
University ParkSkills
- Tax claim administration and collections
- Real estate assessment and valuation
- Pennsylvania tax sale law compliance
- Clean and green act management
- Tax collector oversight and compliance
- Appeals and litigation support
- Budget development and oversight
- Policy development and improvement
- Staff leadership and training
- Performance management strategies
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Excel, Word, and Outlook expertise
Awards Recognition
- Robert A. Hanisits, CPE & Alfred K. Hettinger, Esquire Memorial Award, 2021
- Assessors' Association of Pennsylvania Trailblazer Award, 2020
References
Available upon request.
Education Certifications
- Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator (CPE), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of State, 01/01/04, Present
- Supervisory Leadership Training, Centre County Government, 01/01/17, 12/31/17
- Coursework in relevant studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
Professional Leadership Affiliations
- Assessors' Association of Pennsylvania, President-Elect, Board of Governors, 01/01/21, Present, Vice President, 01/01/20, 12/31/21, Treasurer, 01/01/19, 12/31/20, Secretary, 01/01/18, 12/31/19, Board Representative, 01/01/15, 12/31/17, Co-Chair, Education Committee, 01/01/21, Present, Committee Member, Education Committee, 01/01/17, 12/31/21, Co-Chair, USPAP Committee, 01/01/17, Present, Conference Planning Committee Member, 01/01/17, Present
- North Central Chapter, Assessors' Association of Pennsylvania, President, 01/01/16, 12/31/18, Vice President, 01/01/15, 12/31/16
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, State Board of Real Estate Appraisers, Subcommittee Member, 01/01/17, Present
Timeline
Director of Tax Claims and Collections
Centre County Government
01.2022 - Current
Assistant Chief Assessor / Supervisor, CPE
Centre County Government
01.2013 - 12.2021
Field Assessor II
Centre County Government
01.2005 - 12.2013
Field Assessor I
Centre County Government
01.2004 - 12.2005
Certificate - Essentials of Supervison For Centre County Leaders
Penn State Smeal College of Business
Supervisory Leadership Training -
Centre County Government
Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator (CPE) -
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of State
Coursework in relevant studies -
Pennsylvania State University