[Jacksonville, FL – 28 September 2020] At its bi-monthly board meeting this morning, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) elected new leadership for FY20-21. Patrick Kilbane is the newly elected board chair, having previously served as board chair in 2016-2017.
Kilbane most recently served as vice-chair and succeeds Russell Thomas as chair. He is the General Counsel and a Wealth Advisor for Ullmann Brown Wealth Partners headquartered in Jacksonville Beach. He was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott in 2014 and his second full term on the board expires on Sept. 30, 2021. Kilbane also currently chairs the 4th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission.
Ray Alfred will serve as vice-chair. Alfred most recently served as treasurer and was appointed to the board by Mayor Alvin Brown in 2014. He is the president and CEO of Emergency Responders’ Industries, Inc., and past director/fire chief for the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department.
Michelle B. Barnett will serve as secretary. She was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the board in 2019. Barnett is an attorney and a founding shareholder with Alexander, DeGance, Barnett, P.A. She also currently serves as president of the Jacksonville Bar Association.
Jay Demetree will serve as treasurer. Demetree was appointed to JAA’s board by Mayor Lenny Curry in 2015.
Demetree, a Jacksonville native, is president and CEO of Demetree Brothers, Inc., a leading full-service real estate developer and property manager based in Jacksonville, serving clients throughout Florida and the Southeast.
“We are fortunate to have two tested leaders in Russell Thomas and Patrick Kilbane chairing our board consecutively as we respond to the challenges that COVID-19 has dealt the aviation industry,” JAA Chief Executive Officer Mark VanLoh said.“I look forward to working with Patrick and the board to restore air service to Jacksonville and maintain the confidence of travelers that we are doing everything we can to keep them safe.” [DRAFT – FOR APPROVAL]
The JAA’s board is comprised of seven members. Three members are appointed by Jacksonville’s mayor while the other four are appointed by the governor of Florida. Each board member may serve two consecutive 4-year terms.?
