Introduction and Heritage

Born and raised in St. Augustine, Jennifer Pomar Ravan is a third-generation Floridian. A true Minorcan, she is proud of her heritage and proud to call St. Johns County home, where her heritage of service follows in her family’s footsteps in service to the people of St. Johns County.

The Salvador Family Legacy

Jennifer’s maternal great-grandfather, Mike Salvador, was one of the patriarchs of the local shrimping industry. In 1906, Mike founded the fish-packing house S. Salvador & Company in Fernandina Beach – a historical marker can be found there today. They also owned and operated a small fleet of shrimp boats. In 1921, he moved his business to St. Augustine and thrived.

While serving in the United States Coast Guard during WWII, her grandfather, Felix Salvador, observed the nocturnal movement of shrimp in the Florida Keys. He was excited to note that the shrimp were not visible during daylight. When he returned home from military service, he was eager to pursue his hypothesis, and in 1949, Felix and his brother John discovered the delectable Pink Gold Shrimp in Key West.

At the peak of their shrimping business, Jennifer’s family operated a fleet of 14 trawlers, including one named Silent Night, a favorite trawler of her mother, Joanna Salvador Purdy. The history of the Salvador family is featured in the Shrimpin’ Ain’t Easy exhibit at the iconic St. Augustine Lighthouse.

Early Work and Education

As a teenager, Jennifer worked in her family’s restaurant, O’Steen’s. Her father Lonnie Pomar started working in the restaurant with the original owners Bob and Ginny O’Steen when he was 12 years old. A few short years later, Lonnie became a co-owner before purchasing the business from Mr. O’Steen in 1983. Jennifer worked there every summer, bussing tables. It was here that she first practiced a strong work ethic, an authentic passion for customer service, the value of hard work and perseverance, and the importance of community support.

After graduating from St. Joseph Academy, Jennifer began her higher education at St. Johns River State College, earning her Associate’s and then a Bachelor’s in Organizational Management. Later, she attended Jacksonville University, earning her Master’s in Business Administration.

Career at the Tax Collector’s Office

Jennifer joined the St. Johns County Tax Collector’s Office in 1994 as a Customer Service Representative. It was in service to others through local government that she discovered her passion for public service and a career that uniquely suited her talents and personality. She earned the Certified Florida Collector Assistant certification from the Florida Department of Revenue. This professional certification is a milestone in a Tax Collector employee’s career and demonstrates an understanding of the many roles and functions entrusted to tax collection agencies across the state.

She excelled in every department in the office after CSR, including Trainer, Tag/Title Director, and Manager of Finance. She also holds multiple certificates, including fraudulent document training, aging sensitivity training, the supervisory development program, and driver license policies and procedures.

Jennifer has been instrumental in many office awards, including the Excellence Award in Financial Operations and the Florida Excellence Award for outstanding customer service.

Leadership and Achievements

In recognition of her integrity, business comprehension, customer insight, talent, and abilities, Jennifer was promoted to Assistant Tax Collector in 2008. She has served Dennis W. Hollingsworth and the citizens of St. Johns County faithfully in this capacity. As Assistant Tax Collector, Jennifer showed proficiency in all areas of the Tax Collector’s Office and was instrumental in expanding services at the main office in St. Augustine and opening branches in Dupont Center, Ponte Vedra, and Julington Creek. During her more than 30-year tenure, the Tax Collector’s Office has experienced many changes. Jennifer led many incentives to improve operational efficiency, including the incorporation of driver’s license services, the issuance of birth certificates, the implementation of the re-entry program, and the teen driver education program.

Jennifer completed the Florida Institute for Political Leadership’s Campaign School and Community Leadership Program, an initiative of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. She also is a graduate of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce program, Leadership St. Johns.

Commitment to Community

She is committed to enriching the services to the citizens of St. Johns County through her service at the St. Johns County Tax Collector’s Office.

Jennifer and her husband, Mike, live in St. Augustine. They have three children and two grandchildren, and two dogs. She enjoys spending time with her family in the outdoors and volunteering for St. Augustine Little League.