In his role as St. Johns County Property Appraiser since 2017, Eddie Creamer has led the Property Appraisal Team in a number of technology, cost-saving and process improvement initiatives. As a result, he and his staff were able to deliver 50% reduction in vehicle assets and 20% reduction in staff. These savings enabled a fully funded investment to implement annual high-resolution aerial photography, bi-annual ultra-high-resolution street level imagery and change detection software. These initiatives facilitate more desktop appraisals versus field time, increasing staff productivity, reducing safety risks, minimizing resident inconvenience and saving the taxpayer over $500,000 per year.

In addition, Eddie spearheaded efforts to elevate transparency in government by publishing the department budgets, monthly financial reports and audit results on the website. The redesigned website includes more forms, information, and functionality and allows for property owners to apply for exemptions online. The new website hosts almost 2 million visitors per year.

Automation and the use of technology has proven to be mutually beneficial for residents and the SJCPA staff. Over 65% of homestead exemption applications are filed online; saving resident travel and wait time at a traditional office. A new drone program was introduced that enabled faster and safer post-natural disaster assessments, as well as mapping agricultural, rural, undeveloped and newly developed areas more easily. Eddie and his staff assess 173,000 parcels of real and tangible property valued at $80 billion, and administer 92,000 exemptions.

As a result of these efforts in 2022, the St. Johns County Property Appraiser’s Office was awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Assessment Administration by the International Association of Assessing Officers. One of only 60 jurisdictions to receive this prestigious award.

In his prior role as Regional President of Ameris Bank and formerly as CEO of Prosperity Bank, Eddie Creamer made countless contributions to the community over the last 19 years by spearheading consumer and business real estate financing, small business administration, municipal, agricultural, construction, personal, educational and home equity line of credit lending, as well as investments, financial planning and traditional banking services in St. Johns County. In this role, he led his team to elevate customer service and quality, drive technological advancements, increase profitability and expand product offerings.

His fiscal stewardship and leadership are exemplary. He successfully led the Prosperity Bank team through periods of both high-growth and economic downturn. Ultimately, Eddie led Prosperity Bank to weather the difficult times and continue their award-winning service recognized by St. Augustine Record readers as “Best Bank” for 14 consecutive years. Prosperity was also recognized as one of North Florida’s “Fastest Growing Companies” by the Jacksonville Business Journal in 2007, as well as being recognized by Allen Ewing and Company as one of the “Top Ten Most Profitable Banks” in Florida in 2005 and 2006.

With a background leading as many as 500 employees in three southern states with assets of more than $1B, Eddie Creamer has proven capable of leading administrative and various other functions such as, Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, Audit, and Quality Assurance.

As an expert in community banking and the effects of excess regulation, he testified before the U.S. Congress, Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Job Creation and Regulatory Affairs, on the impact of over regulation on local communities, economies, and jobs.

His current membership affiliations include the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO), Florida Association of Property Appraisers (FAPA) and Certified Florida Appraiser Designation (CFA) where he successfully completed a 160-hour class and exam combined with two years of experience. Eddie also serves as Chairman of the St. Johns County Audit and Insurance Committees.

Eddie Creamer’s volunteerism is extensive; he has given his time and efforts to many organizations. His community service contributions include: Advisory Council Member for the Florida Highway Patrol, Member of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee, Member of the Board of Directors for St. Johns Volunteers, Trustee of Flagler College and Chair of the Endowment Committee for Flagler College, Member of the St. Augustine Rotary Club, Leadership Instructor for the Florida School of Banking at the University of Florida, Advisor to Flagler College Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), Board Member for the Flagler Healthcare Foundation, Member of the Wake Forest University Parents’ Council, Supervisor for the Marshall Creek Community Development District, Finance Committee Member for the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, Board Member of the St. Augustine Family YMCA, Board Member of the Betty Griffin House and Trustee of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

Eddie earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from The University of West Florida; he also completed the Graduate School of Banking Program at Louisiana State University. He received the St. Johns County Sheriffs’ Department “Community Partner Award”; The St. Johns County School Board “Character Counts Community Service Award”; was recognized by the Fort Mose Historical Society and Fort Mose’s State Park for outstanding contribution to the goals and objectives of the park and was voted St. Augustine’s “Best Banker” in 2014 and 2015.

Originally from Port St. Joe, Florida, Eddie and his wife, Julie, have made St. Johns County their home for the last 27 years. They have two adult sons, John and Daniel. Eddie treasures time spent with his family when he isn’t working or out running. Eddie has completed eight marathons and six half-marathons, including New York City and London; he is an American Cancer Society Determination Athlete.