Politics
Vickie Cavey to retire from JEA
Jacksonville’s public utility JEA is set for yet another permanent change of leadership.
CEO Vickie Cavey, who took a leave of absence at the end of July for reasons that were said not to be related to performance, is retiring effective Sept. 25.
Her resignation letter says she leaves with a “heavy heart” but that the move was right for JEA, her family, and herself.
At least in the short term, Chief Administrative Officer Jody Brooks will continue in an interim role until the JEA Board meets to decide the future.
Cavey, who worked for the utility for 34 years in various capacities, returned to JEA after retiring in 2024. She became interim managing director upon Jay Stowe’s departure, then became CEO in September of that year.
Though she was presented as a stabilizing force, the utility has experienced turbulence.
The Jacksonville City Council, the 4th Circuit State Attorney, and the Attorney General’s Office have been investigating issues related to JEA.
The City Council probe focused in part on an allegedly toxic workplace culture under Cavey and on uncollected capacity fees from commercial customers.
Attorney General James Uthmeier and State Attorney Melissa Nelson have been looking into the termination of the utility’s lobbying contract with Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm that includes former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and his erstwhile Chief of Staff, Jordan Elsbury.
Still, Cavey has had one key ally.
Mayor Donna Deegan has advocated for Cavey as an “honest and trustworthy public servant.”
“Jacksonville owes Vickie a debt of gratitude for her many decades of exemplary service. I’m sending my best wishes and prayers to her and her family. The City of Jacksonville looks forward to working with JEA and its board as we all move forward together,” Deegan said Tuesday.
Jacksonville City Councilman Rory Diamond, a frequent critic of the utility’s management over the years, said the following.
“JEA is a critical service for our residents, and I hope future leadership will do everything they can to stabilize or reduce rates.”
Diamond’s colleague Kevin Carrico, who started the Council probe as President, said the following: “They attacked the messenger. They mocked the investigation. They said there was nothing to see. Today, the CEO resigned. I wish her well—but I don’t regret asking a single question. JEA employees deserved to be heard, and accountability always outlives the political noise.”
JEA is just the latest independent authority in Jacksonville to undergo a leadership shakeup.
Longtime CEO Nat Ford left the Jacksonville Transportation Authority this year for a similar role in Dallas. His position is currently being filled by an interim CEO.
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