Opal Hudson
Deputy Administrator, Tax Roll Management,
Hillsborough County Property Appraiser
"Identity is paramount. Once lost, it’s a beast to find— and a blessing to reclaim".
My Story
Over the past 19 years, Opal Hudson has carved an impactful career in local government, currently serving as Deputy Administrator of Tax Roll Management in Hillsborough County. From geospatial systems and policy strategy to advocacy and outreach, she brings clarity and conviction to every corner of public service. But beyond the systems and structures, she is a systems-changer, someone who believes in the power of emotionally intelligent leadership to transform workplaces, communities, and lives.
A first-generation college graduate, Opal’s passion for equity led her to break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She helped launch the IAAO Women’s Initiative Network and served as the first chair of its Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, now a standing committee formed in 2020. She was also named a “Women Who Win” finalist by Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine in 2024 and 2025 and proudly took home the award in 2025.
But her most powerful transformation began at home. After walking away from a decades-long marriage that eroded her sense of worth, Opal chose to rebuild her life
with courage and grace. She reclaimed her voice and reimagined what love, strength, and self-respect should look like, setting an example for her daughters and now her granddaughter.
What makes her the happiest?
Nothing brings her more immediate joy than her amazing granddaughter. “There’s nothing like hearing her voice, feeling her hugs, or watching her curious little mind unfold. She fills my heart in a way nothing else does.
What advice would she give her younger self?
“Don’t trade your dreams for someone else’s peace. Protect your identity. Love yourself first, and show your daughters how to live, not just survive. And for God’s sake, stop trying to be Wonder Woman. She’s not real, and you’re more than enough just as you are.”
