PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Revenue today announced that First Deputy Revenue Commissioner Kathleen McColgan has been named the recipient of the 2023 Harley T. Duncan Leadership Award from the Federation of Tax Administrators (FTA). The award, presented annually to a governmental tax administrator who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to the tax profession, is considered one of the highest honors in the field of taxation.
“Kathleen McColgan is an exemplary leader and agent of effective change,” said Revenue Commissioner Frank Breslin. “She is a tireless advocate for taxpayers and employees and a determined champion for innovation and efficiency. I am incredibly proud of her accomplishments and am honored that she has been recognized with this prestigious award.”
“It is always a privilege and a challenge when selecting the recipient of the Harley T. Duncan Award,” said FTA Executive Director Sharonne Bonardi. “However, when the selection committee received Kathleen’s nomination, the decision was apparent. She is an incredible leader with an impeccable reputation in tax administration. She is professional and compassionate, ensuring that her agency is responsive to internal and external stakeholder needs. Kathleen is a dedicated servant leader, and this set her nomination apart from other submissions. As a former awardee, I am honored that Kathleen is the 2023 Duncan recipient.”
McColgan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication throughout her 25-year tenure and has been part of Philadelphia’s Department of Revenue leadership team since 2014. She has overseen the Department’s efforts to modernize its integrated tax system, improve customer service, and led the Department through the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. She has also played a key role in enhancing efficiencies within units such as Remittance Processing, Call Center, and Accounting.
McColgan is a Pierce College graduate and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management.
The FTA Harley T. Duncan Award for Leadership and Service is named after the late Harley T. Duncan, who served as the Executive Director of the Federation of Tax Administrators from 1974 to 1993. The accolade is presented to individuals that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and work ethic leading to significant departmental improvements and impactful results.
“I am honored to receive this award,” said McColgan. “I am grateful to the FTA for recognizing the Philadelphia Department of Revenue’s determination to provide the best service we can to taxpayers. Together Revenue’s teams have achieved and overcome the unimaginable, and I look forward to working together to launch the next initiatives to make our Department even more effective.”