JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A resolution filed by Mayor Donna Deegan appears to signal a shakeup at the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA).
The resolution, scheduled to go before the Rules Committee on Monday, calls for former Neptune Beach mayor, Elaine Brown, to formally replace JTA board member Megan Hayward. The resolution does not give a reason for why Hayward may be leaving the JTA board.
According to Hayward’s bio shared on the JTA website, she serves on the board of directors as treasurer. It goes on to say she joined the board following Deegan’s appointment and subsequent approval by the Jacksonville City Council in October 2023.
The resolution states Elaine 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.
In a statement to News4JAX, Mayor 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.”
This 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.
Brown has worked in public service for years, serving as the mayor of Neptune Beach and on the Jacksonville City Council from 1999-2007. 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.
“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."
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.”
