TAX NEWS - June 2010

Virginia Tax: Janie Bowen, Virginia's tax commissioner, dies

There was nothing dull about taxes with Janie Bowen. Virginia Tax Commissioner Janie Bowen worked her way up at the agency, beginning as a tax examiner in 1978.

Virginia's tax commissioner set her work to a soundtrack of The Beach Boys and Eydie Gorme, infusing her love of music from the'50s and'60s into her toils at the department to which she reported for nearly all of her adult life.

Ms. Bowen, a 32-year veteran of the Department of Taxation, died unexpectedly Tuesday at her home. She was 56.

Ms. Bowen was appointed tax commissioner in 2006 by then-Gov. Timothy M. Kaine after serving briefly as his deputy secretary of finance. The Charlottesville native started in 1978 just out of college at the Department of Taxation, answering phones.

Kaine remembered Ms. Bowen as "a true public servant."

"As tax commissioner in my administration, she consistently sought ways to make government better and more efficient, and she spent her career dedicated to making life easier for hardworking Virginians," he said. "To all who knew her, Janie was both kind and energetic, and she will be deeply missed."

Through the years, Ms. Bowen held myriad positions in the department and later, as agency head, developed a program to cross-train employees so they can work in several jobs.

She also was the driving force behind the state's telework program and the creation of an Intranet, where Ms. Bowen would post a musical accompaniment to her page and music trivia.

That love for music was rivaled by her devotion to rescued-animal adoption. She adopted her sidekick Marnie, a beagle, and would share funny stories at work about the dog's antics.

Co-workers recalled how much fun she sought to bring to the tax department. Most recently, Ms. Bowen was looking to social media to help a younger audience understand the department's role.

Linda Foster, deputy tax commissioner, said that, especially in the past five or six years, Ms. Bowen "really wanted to shake things up here at Tax. She wanted us to try to get out of always doing thing the same old way, be creative."

Foster also fondly recalled Ms. Bowen singing around the office.

"She'd just start singing a song," she said. "She liked to mix in a little bit of fun with work."

Bob Benton, assistant tax commissioner for administration, met Ms. Bowen in the early 1980s. He spoke of the plans Ms. Bowen had for the department, including consolidating offices to bring employees together.

"She worked very, very hard, many long hours," he said. "Working her way up through the agency."

Just last week, Ms. Bowen was elected president of the Federation of Tax Administrators.

Ms. Bowen earned a bachelor's degree in political science and government at the University of Georgia before she returned to Charlottesville to earn her master's degree at the University of Virginia.

"Throughout her time in state government, Janie was always looking to find new and better ways of serving the citizens of Virginia," Gov. Bob McDonnell said.

"Janie loved what she did, she loved public service, and she loved Virginia. She leaves behind a commonwealth grateful for her service, and friends and family who will miss her dearly."

No information was immediately available about survivors or funeral arrangements.