Jacksonville Transportation Authority Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Jacksonville Transportation Authority has 5 executives leading key functions including information technology, finance, operations, and administration.

Driven by a commitment to efficient mobility, Jacksonville Transportation Authority designs and constructs vital infrastructure and provides essential transit services, shaping the connectivity of Florida.

Leadership Roles at Jacksonville Transportation Authority

  • Chief Financial Officer - Margo Smith
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Heather Obora
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Jeffrey Smith
  • Chief Information Officer - Arun Kalavakolanu
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer - Cleveland Ferguson
  • Margo Smith - Chief Financial Officer

    Margo Smith, the Chief Financial Officer at Jacksonville Transportation Authority, manages all financial planning, budgeting, and reporting. Overseeing fiscal operations, Smith ensures the agency's financial health and sustainability, supporting its mandate to design and construct bridges and highways and provide transit services. This critical role involves developing financial strategies that align with the agency's long-term objectives and regulatory requirements. By meticulously managing financial resources and identifying cost-saving opportunities, Margo Smith directly contributes to the efficient delivery of bus service, monorail, and ferry operations. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital for securing funding, managing investments, and ensuring accountability across all Jacksonville Transportation Authority initiatives. Smith's leadership safeguards the agency's financial integrity.

    Heather Obora - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Heather Obora, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Jacksonville Transportation Authority, oversees comprehensive financial management and strategic fiscal planning. Directing the agency's financial operations, Obora ensures robust budgeting, accurate reporting, and sound investment strategies to support infrastructure development and transit service provision. This executive position involves collaborating with other leaders to align financial goals with the operational needs of bus services, the Skyway monorail, and ferry operations. By implementing stringent financial controls and exploring innovative funding mechanisms, Heather Obora directly enhances the agency's capacity for growth and service expansion. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's role is pivotal in maintaining financial stability and driving economic viability for Jacksonville Transportation Authority's projects.

    Jeffrey Smith - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Jeffrey Smith, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Jacksonville Transportation Authority, directs the execution of daily operations and service delivery. Overseeing the vast network of transit services, Smith ensures the efficient and reliable functioning of bus routes, the downtown Skyway monorail, and the River Ferry. This leadership position involves optimizing operational workflows and resource allocation to meet the demands of a growing region. By implementing best practices in service management and operational safety, Jeffrey Smith directly enhances the passenger experience and agency performance. The Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer's focus extends to coordinating maintenance, managing fleet operations, and driving continuous improvement across all transit modalities for Jacksonville Transportation Authority.

    Arun Kalavakolanu - Chief Information Officer

    Arun Kalavakolanu, the Chief Information Officer at Jacksonville Transportation Authority, directs all technology strategy and implementation. Overseeing the digital infrastructure, Kalavakolanu ensures the seamless operation of transit services, including bus routes, the Skyway monorail, and ferry systems. This leadership role involves architecting scalable IT solutions that support the agency's mission of designing and constructing bridges and highways. By optimizing data management and cybersecurity protocols, Arun Kalavakolanu directly enhances operational efficiency and public trust. The Chief Information Officer's focus extends to leveraging technology for improved passenger experience and data-driven decision-making across all departments. This position is critical for maintaining the agency's technological edge in a rapidly evolving transportation landscape.

    Cleveland Ferguson - Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

    Cleveland Ferguson, the Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Jacksonville Transportation Authority, leads critical administrative functions and organizational development. Directing human resources, legal affairs, and procurement, Ferguson ensures the agency operates with maximum efficiency and compliance. This executive role involves fostering a productive work environment and implementing policies that support the agency's mission of providing transit services and developing infrastructure. By managing organizational resources and overseeing support services, Cleveland Ferguson directly contributes to the smooth functioning of all Jacksonville Transportation Authority operations. The Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer's strategic oversight is essential for talent management, risk mitigation, and ensuring the agency's administrative framework supports its ambitious goals.

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

    Who leads Jacksonville Transportation Authority?
    Jacksonville Transportation Authority is led by Margo Smith (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Heather Obora (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Jeffrey Smith (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s executive team?
    The executive team of Jacksonville Transportation Authority includes leaders such as Margo Smith (Chief Financial Officer), Heather Obora (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Jeffrey Smith (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Jacksonville Transportation Authority have?
    Jacksonville Transportation Authority has 5 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 Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer.