JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On the agenda at Monday’s Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee was a resolution filed by Mayor Donna Deegan to replace Megan Hayward on JTA’s Board of Directors.
It’s a topic that came as a surprise to Councilmember Rahman Johnson.
“I literally sent an email over to the Mayor’s office when it came on the agenda like ‘Hello, what’s going on?’”
Johnson serves on the JTA board as a city council liaison.
He said he has lots of respect for Hayward and the work she has done, even adding that he hopes the city can find a way to keep her around and involved.
The resolution does not explain why Hayward, who was appointed to the board by Deegan in October 2023, may be leaving the JTA board, but it does specify her replacement.
Deegan is calling for former Neptune Beach Mayor Elaine Brown to formally replace Hayward, who serves as treasurer.
The resolution quickly made its way through a second reading during Monday’s Rules Committee meeting.
Councilmember Nick Howland is the chair of that committee.
“Both [Hayward] and [Brown] are tremendous community leaders and volunteers,” Howland said, “Both would be great in that role.”
But Howland also said there will be questions asked as this appointment moves forward.
“I saw the news articles on it over the weekend which came as a surprise to me, so I’ve asked the administration for further details on why they’re doing that,” he said.
The new appointment comes days after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Max Glober and Donald “Donnie” Horner III to the board. Both of their pictures and biographies are visible on the JTA website.
“We are always looking to align board membership with background and experience to move city priorities forward,” Deegan said. “For efficiency purposes, this transition allows all the new JTA board members -- including the governor’s two new appointments -- to get up to speed around the same time to carry on the work of JTA for Jacksonville.”
Deegan’s resolution states Brown will replace Hayward and serve a partial term set to expire at the end of May. From there, it says she’ll serve a full first term set to last through 2029.
Before she served as mayor of Neptune Beach, Brown served two terms on the Jacksonville City Council.
The mayor’s office said Brown served as Chair of the Transportation Committee and Liaison to JTA during her time on the city council. It said she also represented the Beach cities on the North Florida Transporation Planning Organization.
In a statement to News4JAX, Deegan said:
“It is a privilege to welcome Elaine Brown back to public service as a JTA board member who brings a wealth of transportation experience. She is a fierce advocate for the citizens she serves and has proven that time and again as a past Jacksonville City Council President and Mayor of Neptune Beach. I have no doubt that she will serve JTA with the same servant’s heart that has benefited our community for decades.
I would also like to personally recognize and thank Megan Hayward for her commitment to our city. She is a true talent and innovative leader. I look forward to her continued service to Jacksonville as we work together to expand her role serving the community.”
News4JAX reached out to JTA and Hayward for more clarity on her departure from the board.
Hayward sent the following statement:
“I’ve truly valued my time on the board and have worked diligently to ensure that JTA serves both the system’s riders and taxpayers effectively. Many important questions have been raised—and need to be raised—that deserve clear answers. It’s unfortunate and disappointing to be removed from the board at a time when I am seeking those very answers.”
Howland said the Rules Committee will take action on the bill in two weeks.
