JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The JEA board is speaking out for the first time about two employee surveys examining the leadership of CEO Vickie Cavey, as the head of the utility is currently on an extended leave of absence.
JEA board chair M.G. Orender revealed for the first time that Cavey is dealing with a health matter, which led into the board discussing how it would handle a succession plan in the event Cavey does not return. Cavey took her leave on July 29 and at the time Orender said it was expected to last more than 14 days but fewer than 60.
Survey background
One employee survey was commissioned by the Jacksonville City Council, while the other was conducted by JEA. Both examined allegations of a toxic workplace culture and racial bias, producing a mixed picture.
Open sparring
The JEA board reviewed an eight-page report prepared by an outside human resources law firm. The investigation was prompted by concerns raised in February by former Chief of Staff Kurt Wilson, who alleged a hostile work environment and claimed Cavey ousted him in retaliation for speaking out.
Orender, a Cavey supporter and board member Rick Morales, a Cavey detractor, openly sparred over whether the report portrayed Cavey negatively.
Orender: “They don’t really reflect them [comments] not at the level some thought it was at, it’s not showing that way.
Morales: “I have no way of knowing that.”
Orender: “Well, we can read their comments.”
Morales: “ I read all the comments.”
The investigation found Cavey has a demanding management style and has created tension within JEA leadership.
However, investigators found Cavey did not terminate Wilson. Instead, the report says he resigned before any action was taken.
Investigators also found no evidence that race influenced Cavey’s employment decisions or personnel changes.
Morales publicly criticized Cavey in March and called for her resignation. He was critical again Friday.
“Her treatment of employees I think they deserve better and we deserve better,” said Morales.
Council survey
Action News Jax first reported last week on the results of a separate employee survey ordered by a City Council investigative committee.
Some employees praised Cavey’s leadership style, while others described hostile behavior.
The committee was formed by then-Council President Kevin Carrico, who attempted to replace board member Arthur Adams with his own boss Paul Martinez at the Boys & Girls Club’s as a “favor to a friend.”
That move has led to a State Attorney’s Office criminal investigation.
Adams appeared to take a subtle jab at Carrico.
“I find it interesting we want to hold one of our CEOs to a higher standard than in other areas of the local community,” said Adams.
What’s next
JEA is scheduled to present its budget to the city council finance committee on Friday, August 21. It’s unclear if Cavey will be back at that time or if interim CEO Jody Brooks will give the presentation.
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