Jacksonville, Fla. – The Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) confirmed that its chief executive officer, Vickie Cavey, will resign effective Sept. 25, ending a two‑year tenure that began in 2024. In a brief letter to the board chair, Cavey said she was leaving with a “heavy heart” but was confident the decision was right for her family and the utility.
Letter and Transition Plan
Cavey’s resignation letter, sent Tuesday, did not disclose a specific reason for her departure. She did note that she would work with the board and senior leadership to ensure an orderly hand‑off of responsibilities. JEA spokesperson Joe Vasquez said the agency could only comment on the contents of the letter.
Interim Leadership
Chief Administrative Officer Jody Brooks will serve as interim CEO and managing director while the board schedules a special meeting to select a permanent successor. No date for that meeting has been set.
Background on Cavey
Cavey’s career with JEA spans four decades. She began as an engineer in 1984, retired in 2016, returned in 2020 as special assistant for external affairs, retired again in 2021, and was rehired in 2024 as CEO. Her long‑standing service was highlighted in a JEA news release that praised her “leadership, dedication, and many contributions” over a “remarkable career.”
Recent Controversy and Workplace Concerns
The resignation follows a month‑long leave of absence that began in late July. JEA stated the leave was unrelated to performance, and the utility’s strategy and day‑to‑day operations would not be affected. The agency has been the focus of several investigations, though the recent leave was not directly tied to those probes.
Former Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico, who launched a March investigation into workplace issues at JEA after the State Attorney’s Office began probing his own board appointment, called the workplace “toxic” under Cavey’s leadership. Carrico testified before a special council committee in June and later posted on X that the resignation came after “they attacked the messenger.” He added that he does not regret asking questions and that accountability “outlives the political noise.”
City Council member Rory Diamond also weighed in, noting that JEA is a “critical service for our residents” and expressing hope that future leadership will work to stabilize or reduce rates. Diamond wished Cavey well in his statement.
What This Means for Jacksonville Residents
JEA officials assure customers that the utility’s operations, including power and water services, will continue uninterrupted during the transition. The board’s upcoming special meeting will determine the next permanent CEO, a decision that will shape the utility’s direction amid ongoing investigations and public scrutiny.
Local stakeholders are watching closely, as JEA’s leadership influences rate structures, infrastructure projects, and the reliability of essential services for Jacksonville’s 900,000‑plus residents. The board’s choice of a new CEO will be a key factor in maintaining confidence in the utility’s stewardship of public resources.
Community Reaction
Residents and local business owners have expressed mixed feelings. Some appreciate Cavey’s decades of service and hope for a steady hand moving forward, while others view the leadership change as an opportunity to address longstanding concerns about workplace culture and transparency.
JEA has pledged to keep the public informed as the transition unfolds, emphasizing its commitment to “honest, reliable service” for Jacksonville families.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
