CLYDE GASKINS RECOGNIZED BY CFO SINK FOR FIFTY YEARS IN STATE GOVERNMENT 

At this week's Cabinet meeting, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink offered a resolution honoring Clyde Gaskins who has been a state employee in Florida in the Department’s of Insurance, General Services and Financial Services for the past 50 years.

Gaskins began his career with the State of Florida in 1958, in the former Department of Insurance with a beginning salary of $225 per month. Gaskins has outlasted 12 Governors and eight Insurance Commissioners. According to the Division of Retirement, there are only five state employees on the retired payroll who have had more years of service than Clyde.

During his many years in the data processing area, Clyde Gaskins has observed significant innovations in hardware and software technologies, as well as milestones in areas such as commercial applications and artificial intelligence.

Serving the State of Florida with distinction, Clyde Gaskins has earned the respect and admiration of his peers, his community and the State of Florida. And, Clyde has no plans to retire!

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, for the past 50 years, Clyde Gaskins has been a devoted employee in the State of Florida and to the Department’s of Insurance, General Services and Financial Services; and

WHEREAS, beginning his career with the State of Florida in 1958, in the former Department of Insurance, Clyde Gaskins was appointed to the position of Clerk I, with a beginning salary of $225 per month; and

WHEREAS, Clyde Gaskins longevity has outlasted 12 Governors, 8 Insurance Commissioners and countless numbers of state employees and according to the Division of Retirement, there are only 5 state employees on the retired payroll who have had more years of service; and



WHEREAS, throughout his tenure as a dedicated employee, Clyde Gaskins has worked his way up through the ranks from his initial appointment as Clerk I position to Data Processor II, Computer Systems Analyst, Computer Systems Analyst Supervisor, Applied Technology Supervisor I, Acting Bureau Chief Technical Services, Data Center Director, to his current position as Assistant Data Center Director with the Department of Financial Services; and

WHEREAS, during his many years of service in the data processing arena, Clyde Gaskins has observed significant innovations in hardware and software technologies, as well as milestones in areas such as commercial applications and artificial intelligence; and

WHEREAS, many factors have contributed to Clyde’s longevity including his adaptability and understanding of how to be a good employee, realizing when he needed to be tough and knowing when to be kind; and

WHEREAS, Clyde’s positive “can do” attitude has aided him through many transitions throughout his lengthy career and has always expressed his appreciation to others for his good fortune in the positions he has held and always had high praise for the colleagues he has worked with and the long-time friends he has made during his career; and

WHEREAS, known throughout the Department as an avid Florida State University (FSU) baseball fan, Clyde Gaskins has a passion for baseball that is beyond compare, making him FSU’s biggest fan ever; and

WHEREAS, having served the State of Florida with distinction, Clyde Gaskins has earned the respect and admiration of his peers, his community and the State of Florida.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby recognize and congratulate

CLYDE GASKINS

for his many years of dedicated public service to the Department of Financial Services and the citizens of Florida.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby express appreciation and gratitude to Clyde’s family, Sherry, Kevin, Lisa and grandson, Kevin, for their love and support throughout his remarkable career and wish him many years of health and well-being.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee on this 13th day of May, 2008.