Meet the Clerk

Elected in 2008 by the voters of Pasco County, Florida, Paula O’Neil became the seventh person and first female to serve as Clerk of Circuit Court & County Comptroller in Pasco County’s history. Prior to serving as a constitutional officer, Paula worked in various capacities in Pasco County government for over 20 years, dedicated to excellence in government. With a continual desire to mentor and teach, Paula also served as an adjunct instructor for Pasco-Hernando Community College for ten years.

Dr. O’Neil holds a Doctorate in Philosophy in Applied Management and Decision Sciences from Walden University, a Master’s Degree from National-Louis University, and a Bachelor’s Degree from Missouri State University. She is a Certified Public Manager, University of South Florida Executive Fellow, Leadership Pasco Alumnus, and Florida Sterling Examiner.

Paula serves on the Board of Directors for Florida West Coast Credit Union, Pasco Safety Town, West Pasco Habitat for Humanity, and the Florida Society for Certified Public Managers, and is on the Advisory Board for Information Technology at Pasco-Hernando Community College. Paula is Chair for the Pasco County Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and serves as District VI Director for the Florida Association of Court Clerks & Comptrollers. Memberships include the Rotary Club of Seven Springs, Chambers of Commerce, East Pasco Conservative Club, Lake Jovita Business Women, and Calusa Business and Professional Women.

Paula’s efforts have been recognized by the International Who's Who of Professional & Business Women, Metropolitan Who’s Who, Sixth Edition of 2,000 Notable American Women, Who's Who Registry of Rising Young Americans, Who's Who Worldwide, Platinum Edition, and Woman of the Year. Agency awards have included 2009 Best Place to Work, Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (2009, 2008, 2007, 2005), Meritorious Award for the Future of the Region from Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Florida Society of Certified Public Managers, and Award of Excellence from the American Planning Association.

A native of St. Louis and forever fan of St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Paula has lived in Pasco County since 1987. She has two sons, Patrick and Phillip, and two grand-dogs, Buddy and Max. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, bicycling, and sporting events.

Community Involvement

Pasco County Safety Town

Paula has been involved with Pasco Safety Town since the first organizational meeting. She worked with school board staff members on the original curriculum and is currently a Board Member

Click here for more information on Safety Town.

Florida West Coast Credit Union

Paula has served on the Board of Directors for Florida West Coast Credit Union since 2001.
Click here for more information on Florida West Coast Credit Union.


Past Involvement with the Community Included:

• ADA Coordinator, Pasco County Government, 1991 - 2002
• Pasco County Representative, National Organization on Disability, 1996 - 2002
• Advisory Board Member, First Call for Help, 1993 - 1998
• Member, Connections Community Network, 1993 - 2002
• Volunteer, Hernando-Pasco Hospice, 1992 - 1995
• Board Member, Keep Pasco Beautiful, 1990 - 1994
• President & Vice President, Moon Lake Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, 1989 - 1992
• Member, Hudson Youth Soccer Association, 1988 - 1998