As a community of school business management professionals across Florida, we are dedicated to networking, sharing knowledge, and finding solutions in the ever-evolving world of education. We are continually grateful to those who contribute to the success of our association. In this new column, we’ll spotlight FASBO members to help strengthen connections within our community.

This month's member spotlight is Mike Hewitt, our SASBO representative.

Q: What is your name, school district, and position?                    

A: Mike Hewett, Pinellas County Schools, Director of Maintenance and Warehouse

Q: What drew you to this role, and how did you get started in this field?                           

A: I started as an entry-level employee in 1982 and worked my way to this position, becoming the director in 2011.

Q: How long have you been a member of FASBO?

A: I have been a member of FASBO for about 20 years.

Q: Why did you join the organization? 

A: I was first exposed to FASBO after a colleague asked that I do a presentation on hurricane response and recovery after the four hurricanes in 2005.

Q: What career advice do you live by? Who gave it to you? 

A: Career advice often centers around knowing your strengths, staying adaptable, and continuously learning. It’s important to pursue work that aligns with your interests and values, as this can lead to greater satisfaction and long-term success. Building a strong network, seeking mentorship, and being open to feedback can also accelerate your professional growth. In today’s fast-changing job market, staying current with industry trends and upskilling regularly can help you stay competitive. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to take calculated risks—sometimes the biggest opportunities come from stepping outside your comfort zone.

Q: How do you define success?

A: I define success as having raised a successful family that is independent and loving. Being successful means setting meaningful goals and working consistently to achieve them. True success comes from perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to learn from failure or mistakes, it involves staying focused, staying true to your values and celebrating progress along the way.

Q: Favorite place you’ve traveled?

A: I have traveled extensively throughout Germany and the Alps. Southern Germany and the area around the Alps are breathtakingly beautiful and full of history and ancient culture.

We would like to thank Mike for sharing his career life and wisdom with us! If you would like to be in one of our upcoming member spotlights, or would like to nominate another member please email Stephanie Burkhardt at stephanie.burkhardt@marion.k12.fl.us.

The Florida Association of School Business Officials (FASBO) is now accepting nominations for the FASBO Outstanding Business Official Award. This prestigious honor recognizes a FASBO member who demonstrates exceptional professionalism, leadership, and innovation in the field of school business management.

The award recipient will be honored at the FASBO Annual Conference in November and will also receive regional recognition at the Southeastern Association of School Business Officials (SASBO) Annual Conference in March 2026.

We encourage members to nominate deserving colleagues who exemplify excellence in our profession.

Click here to make your nomination

FASBO’s mission is to empower school business professionals, and the scholarship sponsored by Deep Blue Investments and VIRCO is one of the many ways we put that mission into action. This scholarship is designed specifically to help cover hotel room costs. Recipients of the scholarship are responsible for their dues and registration fees. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a long-time member looking for financial assistance, this scholarship can ease the burden and help you stay focused on what matters most: professional development.

If you’re passionate about your role but need a little help getting there, don’t hesitate — apply, attend, and grow.

Click here to apply

The FASBO Certification Program provides formal acknowledgment and recognition for professionals at every level of school business management. Certification demonstrates that an individual possesses the education, training, and experience required to meet established standards of professional competence in the field.

Available Certifications:

• Certified Florida School Business Specialist
  For clerks or individuals who do not supervise staff
• Certified Florida School Business Official
  For directors, supervisors, or managers
• Certified Florida Business Administrator
  For CFOs or executive-level business staff

Certification Fee: $50
Renewal: Every three years, with a $50 renewal fee.

Pursuing certification is a valuable step toward advancing your career and reinforcing your commitment to excellence in school business operations.

Click here for more information on obtaining your Certification

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