JEA CEO and Managing Director Vickie Cavey has begun an extended leave of absence, effective immediately.<\/p>\n
The city-owned utility announced Cavey\u2019s departure late Wednesday, saying her leave is expected to last more than two weeks but less than 60 days.<\/p>\n
A JEA spokesperson gave no reason for the leave, saying only that it was not performance-related. Employees learned of her departure at about 4 p.m., the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
Board Chairperson M.G. Orender designated Chief Administrative Officer Jody Brooks as interim CEO during Cavey\u2019s absence, in line with the utility\u2019s succession plan.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am grateful for the Board\u2019s confidence and honored to serve JEA in this role,\u201d Brooks said in a news release issued just before 5 p.m. \u201cOur focus remains unchanged: supporting our employees, serving our customers and continuing to provide the safe and reliable utility services our community depends on every day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brooks will work closely with JEA\u2019s executive leadership team to maintain continuity of operations, the news release stated.<\/p>\n
Cavey\u2019s leave follows criticism from former City Council President Kevin Carrico that the workplace under Cavey was toxic. <\/p>\n
Carrico launched an investigation<\/a> in March into claims of workplace issues after the State Attorney\u2019s Office began to investigate him in regards to a recommended appointment on the JEA board. <\/p>\n