PRESIDENT’ S MESSAGE
PRESIDENT’ S MESSAGE
Honoring Public Service: Spotlight on Unsung Legal Heroes
Meet Kalinthia Dillard, a Champion of Public Service by Dual Leadership
Kalinthia Dillard General Counsel & Deputy Inspector General Palm Beach County Office of Inspector General( PBC OIG)
A continuing series by Jean Marie Middleton, Esq.- President
In keeping with my theme of“ Honoring Public Service,” and the Bar’ s mission of enhancing the public’ s understanding and awareness of the legal system, I am proud to highlight an unsung hero who exemplifies quiet dedication to service through law.
A Commitment to Oversight and Integrity: The Dual Role of General Counsel and Deputy Inspector General The foundation of strong, trustworthy governance lies in robust, independent oversight. In Palm Beach County, Florida, the Office of Inspector General( PBC OIG) exemplifies this principle, setting a national standard for the breadth of its jurisdiction and the professionalism of its staff. At the heart of this crucial work is a dedicated legal professional, serving as General Counsel and Deputy Inspector General. This article examines the vital work of the PBC OIG and highlights the significant contributions of its General Counsel, Ms. Kalinthia Dillard, a distinguished leader in both government and The Florida Bar.
The PBC OIG: A Unique Model of Accountability The modern concept of the Inspector General( IG) is a historical one, dating back to the 2nd Continental Congress and the oversight of military operations under George Washington. Today, IGs serve at all levels of government to safeguard integrity and root out waste, fraud, and abuse.
Broad Jurisdiction The PBC OIG operates under a unique local oversight model that distinguishes it from its federal and state counterparts, which typically oversee a single agency. The PBC OIG has one of the broadest jurisdictions of any IG office in the United States, encompassing:
• County government
• 39 Municipal governments
• Two special districts
This wide-ranging authority, granted by county charter and interlocal agreement, gives the OIG a comprehensive view of how public resources and power are utilized across a large, diverse region. The office is equipped with essential tools for its mission, including subpoena power for compelling the production of documents or testimony.
Organizational Structure and Focus The office has staff members across three specialized divisions:
1. Audit Division: Conducts audits based on detailed risk assessments.
2. Investigation Division: Produces reports examining allegations of fraud, misconduct, or misuse of public resources.
3. Contract Oversight Division: Focuses on procurement processes and procedures and contract administration.
A Profile in Legal and Government Leadership: Ms. Dillard The current IG is not an attorney, making the role of the General Counsel and Deputy IG, Ms. Dillard, especially critical to the organization. Her extensive qualifications and deep involvement in the state ' s legal community underscore her commitment to ethics and professionalism.
Extensive Professional Qualifications Ms. Dillard’ s legal career began in Palm Beach County, where she clerked at the 4th District Court of Appeal after graduating from Clemson University and the FSU College of Law. She gained experience in private civil litigation and served as a Senior Attorney for the School District of Palm Beach County, the 10th largest school district in the nation.
In addition to her role as General Counsel and Deputy IG, her certifications reflect a mastery of the oversight domain:
• Certified Inspector General
• Certified Inspector General – Counsel
• Certified Inspector General-Auditor
• Certified Inspector General – Investigator
Leading The Florida Bar and Legal Community Ms. Dillard’ s leadership extends far beyond the OIG. She has been a major force in promoting legal ethics, professionalism, and education across Florida. Current Leadership Roles:
• Chair, The Florida Bar’ s Constitutional Judiciary Committee
• Chair, The Florida Bar’ s Grievance Committee for the 15th Judicial Circuit- Division D
• Vice Chair, The Florida Bar ' s Standing Committee on Professionalism
Awards and Recognition Her impact has been recognized by numerous organizations, including the 2025 Palm Beach County Bar Association Professionalism Award and the 2025 Executive Women Foundation ' s Women in Leadership Award( Public Sector). She was also recognized by Florida Trend Magazine as a 2021 Legal Elite in Government.
Impact and Future Direction The work of the PBC OIG— and the legal guidance provided by its General Counsel— is critical for maintaining public trust. The office’ s recent notable cases, such as Water Quality Investigations and the addressing of Fraud Involving CARES Act Funds, demonstrate its wideranging subject-matter expertise. Ms. Dillard’ s commitment to sharing best practices through authoring articles and instructing on ethics and professionalism for organizations like the Association of Inspectors General and the Florida Police Accreditation Coalition Training Conference, further cements the her role as a leader in government accountability and integrity.
The combined expertise in law, investigation, and auditing allows the PBC OIG to function as an unbiased truth-seeker, ensuring that public resources are used effectively and ethically.
Work-Life Balance Ms. Dillard is married to Byron Dent. They have one daughter who is a high school senior.
Kalinthia Dillard is the definition of a public servant: She has a demonstrated commitment to service, integrity and leadership.
PBCBA BAR BULLETIN 3