TALLAHASSEE — The Florida TaxWatch family is grieving the loss of Susan Bittick, a cornerstone of the organization for more than two decades, who passed away peacefully this weekend at her home in Austin, Texas.
For over twenty years, Bittick served on the Florida TaxWatch Tax Advisory Council, where her expertise in state and local tax policy, combined with an uncompromising commitment to fiscal accountability, helped shape some of the organization’s most influential research and recommendations.
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“Susan had that rare gift of being both brilliant and kind,” said Florida TaxWatch President & CEO Dominic M. Calabro. “She could dissect a billion-dollar budget with surgical precision and still find time to mentor a young analyst or check in on a colleague going through a tough time. She made all of us better.”
Before relocating to Texas, Bittick spent years in Tallahassee working closely with lawmakers, agency heads, and stakeholder groups. Colleagues at Ryan, where she continued her career in state tax consulting, described her as the colleague everyone turned to for both technical guidance and genuine support.
“Susan never met a problem she couldn’t solve or a person she couldn’t encourage,” said Jeff Binkley, Florida TaxWatch Board of Trustees member and longtime friend. “This loss is personal for so many of us.”
Florida TaxWatch has lowered flags at its headquarters and will dedicate its upcoming report on government efficiency in her memory.
Services will be private at the family’s request. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Florida TaxWatch Research Institute or a charity of your choice.
Susan Bittick leaves behind a legacy of integrity, mentorship, and an unwavering belief that good policy can—and should—serve the people.
She will be deeply missed.