The St. Johns County Airport Authority Board is made up of five members, serving St. Johns County and the St. Augustine Airport. The oversees the airport’s operations. In 2025, three board members resigned after being accused of Sunshine Law violations. Gov. Ron DeSantis then appointed three new members to complete the terms of the board members who stepped down. A fourth member later resigned that fall.
This year, three seats are up for election through the normal cycle of terms. The incumbent Group 1 commissioner, Michelle Cash-Chapman, was the only one to qualify for that race and was automatically re-elected. Group 2 commissioner Jerry Dedge, who was appointed to the board last year, is seeking a full term, and faces two challengers. The Group 3 seat is an open race this year, as the commissioner appointed by Gov. DeSantis last year, Daniel Bean, is not seeking election to a full term.
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The Airport Authority elections are non-partisan, meaning the candidates run without party affiliation and the races are open to all voters. These races will appear on the general election ballot.
News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.
Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.
| GROUP 2 CANDIDATES |
Jerry Dedge
Occupation: Retired Military Aviator
Age: 67
Family: Married to Cheri for the last 38 years. We have two daughters and five grandchildren.
Education: Embry Riddle and Vincennes University
Political experience: Appointed by the Governor last October to this position. This is my only political experience.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
I have three priorities as we move forward as a board. My first has always been and will remain that this board remain transparent on all the dealings pertaining to the users of this airport and to the citizens of Saint John’s County. Along with transparency we remain accountable in our decision making…and finally we are of always acutely cognizant of our fiscal responsibilities with taxpayer money.
My second priority is to expand the hanger footprint on the airport for both general aviation and corporate aircraft. Along with that expansion includes infrastructure which will ensure a safe operating environment for all aircraft that use our airport. We also need to look at unused resources on the airport such as the terminal building that was built for commercial airline services and has not been used for 5 years.
My third priority is to continue our exploration into Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology which is the future of commuter aviation. NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) research will transform our communities by bringing the movement of people and goods off the ground, on demand, and into the sky. This air transportation system of the future will include low-altitude passenger transport, cargo delivery, and public service capabilities. NASA is delivering data to guide the industry’s development of electric air taxis and drones and to assist the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in safely integrating these aircraft into the national airspace for routine use. This will set the stage for a flourishing industry in 2030, and the Saint Augustine airport is poised to be a partner in this technology with the close proximity to Kennedy Space Center which is NASAs proving ground.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I think I have already proven that my short tenure in this office is about ensuring I am a good steward of tax payer dollars. I also bring 41 years of aviation experience to the board flying helicopters and airplanes. Along with that experience I was an instructor pilot as well as an aviation safety officer and NTSB certified accident investigator. As far as I know there is no one on the current board or running for this office with that kind of experience.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I would like to be remembered as man of Integrity and the quality of being honest and adhering to strong moral principles, while possessing the ethical framework which in turn influence my decisions and interactions with others. As well as someone who does the right thing even when no one is watching.
Campaign website: N/A
Campaign social media: N/A
John H. Wilson
Occupation: Retired
Former Criminal Court Judge, Brooklyn, New York
Board Member, St Augustine Jazz and Blues Heritage Society
Vice President, St Augustine Republican Club
Age: 64
Family: Widowed
One adult son
Education: BA, Fordham University Bronx, NY (Philosophy/Political Science)
JD, Pace University, White Plains, NY
Political experience: Former Law Chairman of Bronx County Conservative Party
Elected to Civil Court, Bronx County, 2004
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1. The integrity of the Airport Authority Board has been called into question by the resignation of 3 former members of the Board due to alleged violations of Florida’s Sunshine Laws. While the current Board members appointed by Governor DeSantis are competent, I believe the election of a former Criminal Court Judge to that Board would give the voters more confidence in the Airport Authority.
2. Despite the appointment of competent Board Members, issues remain regarding “sweetheart” deals given to certain users of the airport by the prior Board and/or Executive Director regarding lease terms for hanger and space rentals. These need to be exposed and overhauled.
3. Fuel costs are exorbitant due to a lack of competition and lack of infrastructure. Persons seeking to fuel their planes only have one provider to go to, and they charge whatever they choose. This system must be opened to competition.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
While the current members of the Board may portray themselves as ”experts" in transportation issues, none have my experience hearing controversies and making decisions based upon the law and the facts.
I also believe I am uniquely qualified to interact effectively with the Airport Authority’s General Counsel and other attorneys. After all, I speak their language fluently.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I hope to restore a measure of public trust in the integrity of the St Augustine Airport and its Board.
Campaign website: None
Campaign social media: None
| GROUP 3 CANDIDATES |
Christopher Cannan
This candidate has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.
Sean Griswold
Occupation: Student at Jacksonville University
Age: 19
Family: My mother, father, and brother
Education: Completing degrees in Aviation Management and Business Administration.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Gaetz Aerospace Career Dual Enrollment Academy
Graduated from St. Augustine High School Magna Cum Laude
- Aviation & Aerospace Academy
Political experience: Vice President of St. Johns County Young Republicans
Vice President of Turning Point USA at Jacksonville University
Very involved in local politics, legislative action, and advocacy.
Previous:
President of St. Augustine High School Young Republicans
President of Turning Point USA at St. Augustine High School
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1. Job Creation & Maintenance:
Our airport infrastructure is suffering. As smaller airport, the quality of our infrastructure is crucial to attracting new business. Additionally, steady leadership, both in the form of an Airport Authority board with integrity and the Executive Director, will create a business-friendly environment. Furthermore, I will wisely embrace eVTOL aircraft and airliner partnerships to bring jobs home to our community. I will be a voice for aviation business on the board.
2. Expanding Economic Impact:
Your airport needs to matter in your life. With no airliner or typical form of transportation available at St. Augustine Airport, there is no impact to you. If you’re electing board members, they ought to represent you. In a given year, only ~ 20% of St. Johns County’s property tax revenue comes from commercial properties, putting our county budget at risk of collapse in the case of a house market downturn. St. Augustine Airport has the capacity to turn the tide in the other direction, by diversifying the business done onsite. As mentioned above, eVTOL aircraft can serve as a great way to have state/federal funding take the inevitable infrastructure repair costs off of our shoulders. Pilots have restricted options for fuel and parking, which leads to increased costs.
3. Conservative Values on the Board and No New Taxes:
I am proudly endorsed by the majority of the current board, of which 4/5 were appointed by Governor DeSantis. They recognize leadership when they see it. I am a strong conservative, and those values will lead my decisions when I’m your representative. I am against increasing your taxes and will fight to keep the millage at 0 to keep homes affordable for our residents. My political connections will serve valuable as the board petitions for state and federal funding.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I am the only aviation and politically experienced candidate for Airport Authority Group 3. Competency, integrity, and leadership are all values I hold dear. I am not afraid to travel to Tallahassee or D.C. when we need funding, and I will always put in the work necessary for our community.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I hope to be remembered as a dedicated, hardworking board member, who did what was right, even when it was hard. Our current board is focused on creating stability, and I will commit myself to being a part of the solution. I will be there for every resident, pilot, and business owner using our airport.
Campaign website: seangriswold.com
Campaign social media: Facebook | X
Sean Hess
Occupation: Retired currently, former business owner, and cancer research editor
Age: 56
Family: Married with two children
Education: BA from Ohio State, MBA from the University of Utah, and a certificate in biostatistics from UF
Political experience: This is my first time
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
The top issue in this race is how we position the airport to support the long-term future of jobs in St. Johns County, especially for our young people. For me, the airport should be viewed not only as a transportation facility, but also as a catalyst for economic development and high-quality job creation. We have the #1 school system in the state, but too many young people leave the area for college, a trade school, or military service … and then can’t come back because there aren’t enough career opportunities here. So, I want to help attract businesses that create skilled, long-term jobs for our kids so they can return and raise their own families here.
Second, I want to support the businesses that already call the airport home. We have the county’s largest private employer at the airport, and helping them and the other existing businesses grow is just as important as attracting new investment. Strong relationships with airport tenants and aviation businesses will help strengthen our local economy.
Third, as our county continues to grow, the Airport Authority must plan responsibly for the future. That means maintaining safe and efficient airport operations, supporting general aviation, which serves businesses, pilots, and the broader community every day, investing wisely in infrastructure, and carefully evaluating opportunities … including community interest in expanded commercial air service … while protecting the airport’s long-term value as a public asset.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I bring a perspective to this race that focuses on the airport’s role in shaping our county’s long-term future. My goal is not simply to maintain a well-run airport, but to help position it as a catalyst for economic development, investment, and high-quality job creation.
My background as a business owner and communications professional has taught me how to bring people together, solve problems, and make practical decisions with long-term consequences in mind. I also bring a lifelong investment in this community. As someone who moved to St. Johns County in 1994 and raised a family here, I want to help create opportunities that allow the next generation to build their future close to home.
Really, at the end of the day, this is about creating jobs for our young people that allow them to come back and raise their families here. You can only do that if the airport is well-run and attractive to investment.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Four years from now, I hope more people see the airport as a driver of our community’s future. It’s not just a runway, it’s not just a place where airplanes take off and land. It’s all the types of jobs that surround the runway: mechanics, air traffic control, eVTOL, electronics, pilot training, flight simulation, software, noise reduction, safety systems, composite materials, supply chain… the list goes on and on. Most of these businesses don’t need airplanes taking off very often. In fact, they might only use a runway once in a while.
So, if I can get people thinking that way, I will consider my service a success. This will help strengthen existing businesses, encourage new investment, and create opportunities that allow more young people to build their careers and lives here in St. Johns County.
Campaign website: www.HessForJobs.com