JEA CEO Vickie Cavey testified before a Jacksonville City Council Special Investigatory Committee regarding alleged workplace toxicity at the city-owned utility. The committee, led by Council President Kevin Carrico, has been investigating JEA’s workplace culture for three months.

Investigation Details

Committee members pressed Cavey on the treatment and dismissal of JEA’s senior leadership team members during her tenure. They also questioned her about a canceled lobbying contract with Ballard Partners, a Florida-based firm that employs former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and former city Chief of Staff Jordan Elsbury.

Cavey denied any influence from the Mayor’s Office in the cancellation of the contract. She also addressed concerns about the lack of diversity in her senior leadership team, citing the appointment of Charles Morland as JEA’s chief customer experience officer as an example of an African American in a senior role.

Committee Concerns

Committee members expressed frustration with Cavey’s responses, citing her inability to recall interactions with employees and texts linked to her leadership style and workplace culture. City Attorney Michael Fackler reminded the committee that Cavey was under oath and that her responses were acceptable.

The committee also discussed the investigation into a complaint against Chief Human Resources Office Diane Moser, which is separate from the employee survey released last week. The survey showed that employees were generally happy with their jobs but were less satisfied with the utility’s leadership.

Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.