The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) announced Wednesday that Chief Administrative Officer Cleveland Ferguson III will step into the role of interim chief executive officer. The board’s unanimous vote comes as the agency begins a nationwide search for a permanent replacement for departing CEO Nat Ford.
Board confidence in Ferguson’s leadership
Board Chair Aundra Wallace praised Ferguson as an experienced leader with a clear understanding of the organization and a plan to guide JTA through an important budget cycle. Wallace noted his strong relationships with employees and community partners, emphasizing that continuity will serve the agency well during the transition.
Ferguson’s background and qualifications
Ferguson has been with JTA since 2015, holding several executive leadership positions. For the past three years he has served as executive vice president and chief administrative officer, overseeing key administrative, technology, and economic development initiatives. In his current role, he has represented JTA before congressional leaders and the U.S. Department of Transportation on issues such as safety‑sensitive transportation operations, housing and transit, autonomous‑vehicle technology, and workforce development.
In a statement, Ferguson expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to remain focused on delivering safe, reliable transportation for Jacksonville residents throughout the CEO transition.
Nat Ford’s departure and next steps
Nat Ford announced his resignation in July, later accepting the position of President and CEO of Dallas Area Rapid Transit, slated to begin in late October. The JTA Board has engaged executive search firm KL2 Connects to identify a permanent CEO, with the goal of completing the search by late 2026 or early 2027.
Regional context
Ferguson was also a finalist for the chief executive position at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). However, MARTA’s board elected its own interim CEO two weeks ago, leaving the Jacksonville appointment as the most recent development in regional transit leadership.
The appointment underscores JTA’s commitment to stable, family‑focused service delivery as the agency navigates budget planning, infrastructure projects, and ongoing efforts to improve mobility for Jacksonville’s growing population.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
