Personnel note: Nichole Alvarez-Sowles appointed Pasco County Clerk

Nichole “Nikki” Alvarez-Sowles has been appointed Pasco County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Friday.

The appointment announcement included a strong endorsement from Sen. Wilton Simpson, the next-in-line Senate President whose district includes much of Pasco County.

“Nikki’s commitment to serving the hardworking people of Pasco County shines brightest through her steady leadership and unwavering work ethic,” the Trilby Republican said.

“On behalf of the people of Pasco County, I want to thank Governor DeSantis for ensuring an honorable public servant takes the reigns here in Pasco.”

The position isn’t new to Alvarez-Sowles — she has served as the county clerk on an interim basis since July 1, following the retirement of former Pasco Clerk Paula S. O’Neil.

Prior to ascending to the top spot, the Land O’ Lakes native served as the office’s chief operations officer from 2010-2019 and worked as the criminal courts director the year prior.

Alvarez-Sowles earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and her law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2001 and worked in private practice with Echevarria, Codilis & Stawiarski, P.I., a Tampa-based real estate law firm, through 2005.

Alvarez-Sowles will serve the balance of the four-year term won by O’Neil in 2016.

When O’Neil announced to her retirement, effective June 30, she recommended Alvarez-Sowles be appointed to replace her.