Susan Slappey has been the chief financial officer for Pitman Companies for 10 years.
WHAT’S YOUR CLIENT BASE?
“A large portion is exporting. We service most prisons in Florida, clubs, restaurants, schools and chain groceries.”
THE FAMILY BUSINESS
Slappey has been with the produce company off and on since she was 13-years-old. She has also worked at the public accounting firm KPMG and Florida Power in St. Petersburg.
EDUCATION
A bachelor’s degree in accounting degree from Florida State University.
WHY GO INTO ACCOUNTING?
“I am good at math. I knew I would be in business and accounting seemed to be more comprehensive.”
WHAT’S REWARDING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
“Working with family. It has a real personal feel, not real corporate. It’s a casual, fun place to work. There are not a lot of layers of bureaucracy.”
WHAT’S MOST CHALLENGING?
“Working with family. When there’s a serious issue, especially to do with change, it’s hard. Most of them have been here way longer than I have.”
HOMETOWN
Jacksonville.
FAMILY
Southside, the neighborhood where she grew up, is home to Slappey and her husband Mark. They have two children, Erin and Carli.
PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC AFFILIATIONS
On the committee of the Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament for 10 years, Slappey recently completed her duties as chairman of the event. She is also active in the Junior League and is taking part in the Community Nutcracker at the Florida Theatre.
HOBBIES
Fishing, boating and cheering on the FSU Seminoles. When she’s home, Slappey tunes into reruns of “Gilligan’s Island,” searches for the film classic “The Sound of Music” or reads a novel by John Grisham. St. George Island on the west coast of Florida is her favorite vacation spot.
—by Monica Chamness