Michelle Valerie Longsworth

Michelle Valerie Longsworth has dedicated 35 years of exemplary service to the public sector, making significant contributions across various government institutions, including the Magistrate Court, Belize Family Court, Elections and Boundaries, Governance Unit, Central Information Technology Office, and the Belize Tax Service. Her journey began in 1988 as a Second-Class Clerk, progressing rapidly to Director of IT, driven by her strong work ethic and dedication to public service.

From 1988 to 1993, Michelle served as a Second-Class Clerk, First Class Clerk, and Acting Clerk of the Family Court. These roles provided her with a solid foundation in government accounting and administrative procedures, laying the groundwork for her future leadership roles in managing government departments.
From 1993 to 2003, Michelle served as a VAT/Sales Tax Officer, where she developed a deep understanding of tax administration. During this time, she pursued her Bachelor's degree on a part-time basis at the University of Belize (UB), becoming one of the first females to graduate from UB with a Bachelor's in Information Technology. Her innovative approach and commitment to exceeding expectations helped streamline operations and improve compliance, laying the groundwork for the modernization initiatives she would later lead.
After taking a brief hiatus from 2003 to 2006 to pursue a Master's degree in Computer Science in Taiwan, Michelle returned with advanced knowledge and a renewed commitment to public service. Upon completing her studies, Michelle assumed a new role as Head of the ICT and E-Governance Unit at the Office of Governance. In this capacity, she was instrumental in initiating the governance framework for the government, driving digital transformation and modernizing government services to enhance efficiency and transparency.
As the Assistant Director and later as Director of the Central Information Technology Office (CITO) from 2007 to 2016, Michelle played a pivotal role in Belize's digital transformation. She led the design and build-out of a state-of-the-art data centre, which she subsequently guided to achieve ISO 27001 certification, ensuring the highest standards of information security and operational excellence. Her leadership at CITO significantly enhanced the efficiency, transparency, and service delivery of government agencies, solidifying her reputation as a forward-thinking leader.
From 2016 to 2018, Michelle served as Counsel at the Consulate of Belize in New York, representing Belize’s interests on an international stage. This experience enriched her perspective, which she brought back to Belize as the Program Manager for the Modernization of Tax Administration of Belize Project (MTAB) in 2018. Under her guidance, the project achieved significant milestones, including the merging of the former General Sales Tax Department and the Income Tax Department into the newly formed Belize Tax Service, a function-based tax administration that is more efficient and responsive to the needs of the public.
Throughout her career, Michelle has continuously sought to enhance her skills and knowledge, completing numerous professional development courses in areas such as, Human Resource Administration, Change Management, ICT Strategic Planning and Management, and System Development. Notably, she completed the Leadership Development Program for the Caribbean and Women's Leadership MOOC: Boost Your Skills and Drive Change course, which further strengthened her leadership capabilities. Her versatility and breadth of experience have been instrumental in her leadership roles, where her excellent leadership skills have been crucial to the success of reform processes within the Belize Tax Service.
Since 2019, Michelle has served as the Director General of the Belize Tax Service, where she has led transformational reforms, including the implementation of the Integrated Revenue Information System (IRIS). Her leadership has been instrumental in shifting the department towards a data-driven approach to policymaking and operations, ensuring that the Belize Tax Service remains at the forefront of innovation.
Throughout her career, Michelle has led with empathy, understanding the importance of connecting with her team and stakeholders on a human level. This empathetic approach has made her the leader others aspire to be, inspiring her colleagues and setting a positive example within the public sector.
Michelle’s approach to her career has been guided by principles of excellence, innovation, integrity, and continuous learning. She lives by the mantra: "Strive for excellence in all you do, embrace innovation, value your relationships, speak with integrity, and lead with empathy. Honor your commitments and continuously seek knowledge. These principles will guide you towards personal and professional greatness." This philosophy has driven her to master herself, remain strong, and continue growing both personally and professionally.
Message from Michelle Longsworth:
"My journey in public service has been marked by countless memorable experiences, each one teaching me the value of perseverance, empathy, and continuous learning. I take this opportunity to thank my supervisors and my colleagues throughout my career, as they instilled great morals and encouraged me to perform to the best of my abilities, carry myself with dignity and integrity, and always serve the General Public with utmost respect. The critiques and encouragement I received over the years helped me improve as a person and remain a committed Public Officer, propelling me to excel in my work assignments. I've had the privilege of working alongside dedicated public officers and serving the people of Belize in ways that have been both challenging and deeply rewarding. As I reflect on these 35 years, I am reminded that public service is not just a career; it is a calling to make a difference in the lives of others. I am grateful for every opportunity and look forward to continuing this journey with the same passion and commitment that has guided me thus far."
Michelle Longsworth’s career is a testament to her dedication, innovative spirit, and the profound impact she has had on Belize's public sector. Her 35 years of service have not only contributed to the nation’s development but also set a high standard for public service, inspiring others to strive for greatness in their own careers.