Jacksonville Aviation Authority Elects New Board Leadership for FY21-22

Ray Alfred

[Jacksonville, FL – 27 September 2021] At its monthly board meeting this morning, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority elected new leadership for FY21-22. Ray Alfred is the newly elected board chair, having previously served as board chair in 2015-2016.
 
Alfred most recently served as vice-chair and succeeds Patrick Kilbane as chair. He is president and CEO of Emergency Responders’ Industries, Inc., a consulting company specializing in homeland security and all-hazards issues. He was first appointed to the JAA board by Mayor Alvin Brown in March 2014 to complete Dr. Chester Aikens’ board term after Dr. Aikens passed away. Alfred’s first full four-year term expired on Sept. 30, 2019 and he was subsequently reappointed by Mayor Lenny Curry in 2019.
 
Jay Demetree will serve as vice-chair. Demetree was appointed to JAA’s board by Mayor Lenny Curry in 2015. Demetree, a Jacksonville native, is president and CEO of Demetree Brothers, Inc., a leading full-service real estate developer and property manager based in Jacksonville, serving clients throughout Florida and the Southeast. 
 
Giselle Carson will serve as secretary. Carson was appointed to JAA’s board by Gov. Rick Scott in 2014. She is a shareholder with Marks Gray, P.A.
 
Michelle Barnett will serve as treasurer. She was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the board in 2019. Barnett is an attorney and a founding shareholder with Alexander, DeGance, Barnett, P.A. 
 
“Ray Alfred has a record of long, distinguished service to our community and I am excited for him to lead our board over the next year,” said Mark VanLoh, JAA’s chief executive officer. “As we rebound from the COVID-related challenges presented to the aviation industry, we are fortunate to have this caliber of leadership in place with our new officers.”
 
The Jacksonville Aviation Authority’s board is comprised of seven members. Three members are appointed by Jacksonville’s mayor while the other four are appointed by the governor of Florida. Each board member may serve two consecutive 4-year terms.  
 
For more information about JAA, visit www.flyjacksonville.com.

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