Jacksonville Transportation Authority Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Jacksonville Transportation Authority has 4 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial management, operational logistics, and administrative oversight.

Committed to regional mobility, Jacksonville Transportation Authority designs and constructs essential infrastructure while delivering reliable transit services across Florida to enhance community connectivity and economic growth.

Leadership Roles at Jacksonville Transportation Authority

  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Heather Obora
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Jeffrey Smith
  • Chief Information Officer - James Ventimiglia
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer - Cleveland Ferguson
  • Heather Obora - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Heather Obora, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Jacksonville Transportation Authority, manages all fiscal planning and capital budgeting for infrastructure projects. Overseeing the financial health of the agency, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures strict compliance with state and federal funding requirements. This leadership role involves allocating resources for the construction of bridges and highways while maintaining the operational budget for the River Ferry. By implementing rigorous cost-control measures, Heather Obora directly impacts the long-term sustainability of regional transit services. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer coordinates with the Board to secure grants and optimize revenue streams. Through strategic financial forecasting, Obora drives the economic stability necessary for expanding transit capacity. Ultimately, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal transparency required to support the agency's commitment to building robust transportation networks throughout Florida.

    Jeffrey Smith - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Jeffrey Smith, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Jacksonville Transportation Authority, directs daily transit operations including bus routes and the downtown Skyway monorail. Overseeing the maintenance of the transit fleet, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ensures high standards of safety and service frequency. This leadership role involves managing the logistics of the River Ferry and coordinating field teams to maintain operational excellence across the Florida service area. By streamlining transit schedules, Jeffrey Smith directly impacts the daily experience of thousands of commuters. The Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to identify areas for service improvement and capacity expansion. Through the active management of transit assets, Smith drives operational efficiency and reliability. Ultimately, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer executes the strategic vision for public transit, ensuring that all services meet the evolving mobility needs of the community.

    James Ventimiglia - Chief Information Officer

    James Ventimiglia, the Chief Information Officer at Jacksonville Transportation Authority, directs all digital infrastructure and cybersecurity initiatives. Overseeing the modernization of transit data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless integration between bus services and the downtown Skyway monorail. This leadership role involves architecting scalable cloud solutions to support real-time passenger information across the entire Florida network. By optimizing internal data workflows, James Ventimiglia directly impacts the efficiency of agency operations. The Chief Information Officer manages complex software deployments that improve service reliability for daily commuters. Through the implementation of advanced analytics, Ventimiglia drives data-driven decision-making processes that enhance overall transit performance. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer secures the digital integrity of the agency, ensuring that all technological assets align with the long-term mission of providing safe, efficient, and innovative transportation solutions for the region.

    Cleveland Ferguson - Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

    Cleveland Ferguson, the Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Jacksonville Transportation Authority, directs human resources, procurement, and internal policy development. Overseeing organizational culture and workforce development, the Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer ensures that all administrative functions support the agency's mission of providing high-quality transit services. This leadership role involves managing complex procurement processes for highway construction materials and transit equipment. By fostering professional development programs, Cleveland Ferguson directly impacts the productivity and morale of the agency staff. The Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer coordinates with other C-suite leaders to align administrative policies with broader strategic goals. Through the implementation of efficient internal processes, Ferguson drives organizational agility and compliance. Ultimately, the Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer maintains the structural foundation necessary for the agency to deliver consistent, reliable transportation infrastructure and services to the public.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Rail, Bus & Taxi

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Jacksonville Transportation Authority Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Jacksonville Transportation Authority?
    Jacksonville Transportation Authority is led by Heather Obora (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Jeffrey Smith (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) and James Ventimiglia (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s executive team?
    The executive team of Jacksonville Transportation Authority includes leaders such as Heather Obora (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Jeffrey Smith (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer), James Ventimiglia (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Jacksonville Transportation Authority have?
    Jacksonville Transportation Authority has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Jacksonville Transportation Authority includes roles such as Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer.