Jacksonville Appoints New Members to Transportation Authority Board

News Summary

Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Max Glober and Donald ‘Donnie’ Horner III to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority Board. With backgrounds in marketing and investor relations, both new appointees bring valuable expertise that could enhance Jacksonville’s public transit system. Their appointments come as a timely transition following previous board members’ terms and aim to address ongoing financial and operational challenges within the transportation sector. Confirmation by the state Senate is pending, creating anticipation about their future contributions.

Jacksonville Welcomes Fresh Faces to Transportation Authority Board

Exciting news for the folks living in Jacksonville! Governor Ron DeSantis has made some noteworthy appointments to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority Board of Directors that could change the landscape of public transit in the area. On Monday, the Governor introduced Max Glober and Donald “Donnie” Horner III as the two newest members. Given their impressive backgrounds, there’s a lot of optimism about what they might bring to the table.

Who Are the New Appointees?

Max Glober is currently the Vice President of Marketing at First Coast Energy, LLP. With years of experience in the energy sector and a keen insight into marketing strategies, he’s likely to provide valuable perspectives for the transportation board. His professional history reveals a strong sense of community engagement, something that could translate well into improving public transportation in Jacksonville.

On the other hand, we have Donald “Donnie” Horner III, who serves as the Vice President of Investor Relations for Intrepid Capital Management. His expertise in financial matters could be beneficial as the board tackles budget constraints and funding opportunities for future projects. Having professionals like Horner on the board may pave the way for better financial planning and enhanced development in Jacksonville’s transportation system.

A Long-Awaited Transition

Interestingly, these appointments come a little over a year after Governor DeSantis faced challenges in replacing previous board members. The former members—Deborah Buckland, Ari Jolly, and G. Ray Driver—were all appointed to four-year terms back in 2019, with their terms set to conclude in September 2023. While the clock has been ticking, it seems that the Governor has finally made some moves to refresh the board.

For a bit of background, G. Ray Driver stepped down from his position in 2024 following a tragic car accident. This unfortunate event highlighted the urgency for new leadership on the board, especially since Florida law mandates that board members stay put until they are officially replaced. Despite the changes, you can still find these previous members listed on the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s official website, leading to some confusion among locals.

What’s Next for the Transportation Board?

One key detail to note is that DeSantis hasn’t specified which current board members Glober and Horner will be taking over for. This leaves some room for speculation about the direction of the board and which experiences these new faces will bring. It’s worth mentioning that the appointments are contingent upon confirmation by the state Senate, so there’s still an element of anticipation surrounding their official start on the board.

Looking Ahead

With fresh perspectives on the Jacksonville Transportation Authority Board, residents might soon see an enhanced approach to transportation issues in the city. Whether it involves improving current transit systems, introducing innovative practices, or seeking out feasible funding, the contributions of Glober and Horner are highly awaited. It’s a pivotal moment for Jacksonville as the city navigates transportation needs that can affect daily commutes, local economy, and overall quality of life.

So, Jacksonville, keep your eyes peeled for updates on these new appointments and what they mean for your travels around town. This could be the beginning of some exciting changes that benefit everyone!

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Additional Resources

• Action News Jax
• Jacksonville.com
• First Coast News
• Google Search: Jacksonville Transport Authority
• Business Wire
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Transportation