[Jacksonville, FL – 25 September 2023] At its board meeting this morning, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority elected new leadership for FY23-24. Michelle Barnett is the newly elected board chair.
Barnett most recently served as vice chair and succeeds Jay Demetree as chair. Barnett was appointed to JAA’s board by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2019. Barnett is an attorney and a founding shareholder with Alexander, DeGance, Barnett, P.A.
Matt Connell will serve as vice chair. He was appointed to the JAA board in 2020 by Gov. DeSantis. Connell is co-founder and CEO of Total Military Management, a Jacksonville-based logistics company.
Fernando Acosta-Rua will serve as secretary. Acosta-Rua was appointed by Gov. DeSantis to the board in 2021. Acosta- Rua is president and CEO of Pet Paradise.
David Hodges, Jr. will serve as treasurer. Hodges was appointed to the JAA board in 2022 by Gov. DeSantis. He is chairman and CEO of Hodges Management Group, LLC.
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.