Deegan announces executive team

Mayor-elect Donna Deegan yesterday announced the executive members of the administration who will join her at City Hall when she takes office in July. They include:

  • Erica Connor, executive assistant. She is a former practicing attorney, law school counselor and legal recruiter.
  • Pat McCollough, chief of staff. A transition adviser and Deegan’s campaign manager, she is a retired U.S. Marine sergeant major.
  • Anna Brosche, chief financial officer. The Relationship Partner at BDO Alliance, she previously served as Jacksonville City Council president and was a candidate for mayor.
  • Mike Weinstein, interim chief financial officer. He is CEO of Kids Hope Alliance and was chief financial officer for multiple past mayors.
  • Karen Bowling, chief administrative officer. She is director of entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of North Florida. She previously served as the city’s chief administrative officer.
  • Phil Perry, chief communications officer. He is a transition adviser and led communications for Deegan’s campaign.
  • Melissa Ross, director of strategic initiatives and liaison to the press. She was the host of WJCT’s “First Coast Connect” and co-host of “The Florida Roundup” until Wednesday’s announcement.
  • Lakesha Burton, chief of public safety, a new position. A candidate for Jacksonville sheriff last year, she served for 24 years in the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, rising to the rank of assistant chief. Deegan said Burton will help the mayor’s office interact with the Sheriff’s Office.
  • Sunil Joshi, chief health officer. He is an allergist and immunologist who has previously served as president of the Duval County Medical Society.
  • Parvez Ahmed, director of diversity and inclusion. A professor of finance at the University of North Florida, he is also a two-term member of the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission.
  • Ed Randolph, director of economic development. He is the director of economic development for JEA and previously served as Jacksonville’s director of business development.
  • Jason Gabriel, a former Jacksonville general counsel who will serve as chair of the Qualification Review Committee as it evaluates new general counsel candidates.
  • Bob Rhodes, interim general counsel, effective July 1.