by Tax Notes State editor Doug Sheppard
The hiring of Sharonne Bonardi as executive director of the Federation of Tax Administrators in January 2022 reflected a pattern from throughout her career: She was the first person of color and second woman to earn the role as the head of the nation’s only association supporting the country’s state tax agencies.
Bonardi’s first year with the FTA also saw her push an ambitious strategic plan, not unlike the accomplishments in her six years as Maryland deputy comptroller, which are among the reasons Tax Notes State recognizes her as its person of the year.
Working with the FTA is actually nothing new to Bonardi, who served as secretary, first vice president, second vice president, and finally president of its board of trustees. She frequently spoke at FTA conferences during her 25 years with the Maryland Office of the Comptroller.
“My first involvement with FTA was when I was director of the compliance division and was presented the opportunity to present at numerous conferences,” Bonardi said. “Actually, before becoming the director, as an attorney hearing officer within the compliance division, I began presenting at FTA conferences. I became a board member of FTA once I was appointed deputy comptroller in 2015.”
Similarly, Bonardi rose through the ranks during her years with the comptroller’s office, serving as deputy director of its compliance division, assistant director, manager of the hearings and appeals section, and attorney...
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