New JEA Board fires Interim CEO Melissa Dykes without cause

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In its very first board meeting, the newly appointed board of city-owned utility JEA fired Melissa Dykes.

Dykes, now the former interim CEO of JEA, was fired without cause in Tuesday’s meeting in order to create a fresh new start for the utility company.

According to Dykes’ contract, she would get 30 days notice of any termination without cause. She would also get six months with pay being a consultant and a twenty-week lump sum of severance pay.

After the board voted on the termination, Dykes gave her last interim CEO report, saying in part:

“While leading JEA through this transition, I have fully cooperated with all investigations. In late 2019, I reached out to the state attorney’s office and told I was willing to assist in the investigation. In January I did the same with the U.S. Department of Justice, the United States Attorney and the FBI. I am proud that I have fulfilled that commitment without wavering.”

Caren Anders will be the interim CEO until the next board meeting where a new CEO will be decided while the board looks for a permanent position.

Action News Jax requested an interview with Dykes. JEA released the following statement on behalf of Dykes:

"Melissa Dykes is very grateful for the eight years she has had to work alongside the wonderful men and women who serve the JEA community.

“At this time, Melissa is declining requests for interviews, preferring instead to let her message delivered during today’s JEA board meeting to speak for itself. A copy of her statement is attached for your reference.”

READ DYKES’ LAST CEO REPORT BELOW:

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