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Secretary, Called 'An Inspiration,' Retires From County

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By CARL ORTH, The Suncoast News

Published: December 26, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - Freda Abrams walked away with goodbye hugs five times over and recognition of her 22 years of service to Pasco County.

Abrams' last day as senior secretary to the county commission was Friday. She spent 11 years in that post. Her parting was bittersweet, her voice cracking with emotion as she received accolades from the five commissioners at a recent meeting.

They and others gave her a standing ovation as Abrams later left the West Pasco Government Center auditorium.

A commission proclamation noted that she started as a senior planning clerk in 1985, with Growth Administrator Sam Steffey as her first boss.

In 1987, she was promoted to secretary with the county administrator's office and then senior secretary in 1988. Later that year, she became administrative secretary for the Personnel Department.

In 1996, Abrams became the commission's secretary. The position was reclassified as senior secretary to the commission in 2000.

In 1994, Abrams received her bachelor of science degree in business administration and management from Pasco-Hernando Community College. She also completed a 42-hour course there for government employee supervisors and then passed Pasco County's supervisors course.

Over the years she has participated in blood drives with Hunter Blood Center and Florida Blood Services; in the Florida 4-H program; and in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica.

"Freda is a person who leads by example, allowing her actions to serve as the standards that she shares with others," the proclamation says. "Freda is an inspiration to many and a friend to all. She is admired by her fellow employees for her dedication and upon her retirement will be missed by all."

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