JEA CEO Vickie Cavey submits resignation, will retire in September

In a statement, JEA said they are grateful for Cavey’s “many contributions she’s made throughout her remarkable career with the organization.”

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — JEA’s Chief Executive Officer Vickie Cavey submitted her resignation to the utility’s board Tuesday, effective Sept. 25. 

Cavey said in her resignation letter the decision was made with “a heavy heart,” and said the decision was right “for myself, my family and JEA.”

Cavey took a leave of absence from JEA in July amidst a months-long Jacksonville City Council investigation into workplace culture allegations. An official reason for the leave of absence wasn’t given at the time. 

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JEA Chief Administrative Officer Jody Brooks took over as interim CEO at the time, and will continue in that role after Cavey’s resignation, JEA officials said in a statement.

Cavey became JEA’s first woman to serve as the utility’s permanent CEO when she was confirmed to the role in 2024.

“JEA is grateful for [Cavey’s] leadership, dedication, and the many contributions she has made throughout her remarkable career with the organization,” The utility said in a statement Tuesday.

JEA officials said day-to-day operations for the utility will remain unchanged. Cavey said in her resignation letter she will make “every effort possible” to work with the board to ensure a smooth transition.

“Thank you to this board for your service and leadership as well as your confidence in the JEA staff,” Cavey said in her letter to the board. “JEA’s dedicated employees and talented leadership will continue to move the organization forward with a steadfast commitment to excellent service for our customers and our community.”

Her departure comes days before the utility implements a rate increase for customers, set to go into effect Oct. 1. In an email to customers in August, JEA said a typical residential customer will see a monthly increase of approximately $5.83 for water and sewer and $3.02 for electric. “The energy and water you use in September will be reflected on your October bill,” the utility said.

City leaders react

“Jacksonville owes Vickie a debt of gratitude for her many decades of exemplary service. I’m sending my best wishes and prayers to her and her family,” Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said. “The City of Jacksonville looks forward to working with JEA and its board as we all move forward together.”

“They attacked the messenger. They mocked the investigation. They said there was nothing to see. Today, the CEO resigned,” said Jacksonville City Council Member Kevin Carrico, referencing a recent investigation into allegations of workplace toxicity at the utility. “I wish her well—but I don’t regret asking a single question. JEA employees deserved to be heard, and accountability always outlives the political noise.

“If the results of the two recent independent surveys of JEA employees are any indication, Vickie Cavey will be deeply missed. I thank her for her service and wish her every success in her next endeavor,” City Council President Nick Howland said. “As JEA turns the page, I’m hopeful its next CEO will laser-focus on the mission that matters most: providing Jacksonville families and businesses with reliable, high-quality water, sewer, and electric services at the lowest possible rates.”