Jacksonville Transportation Authority Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Jacksonville Transportation Authority has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, financial management, and operational logistics.

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

Leadership Roles at Jacksonville Transportation Authority

  • Interim Chief Executive Officer - Cleveland Ferguson
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Heather Obora
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Randall Barnes
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Jeffrey Smith
  • Chief Information Officer - Arun Kalavakolanu
  • Cleveland Ferguson - Interim Chief Executive Officer

    Cleveland Ferguson, the Interim Chief Executive Officer at Jacksonville Transportation Authority, directs the overarching strategic vision for the agency. Overseeing the design and construction of critical bridges and highways, the Interim Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between public transit goals and regional infrastructure requirements. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving organizational efficiency across all departments. By prioritizing sustainable growth and operational excellence, Cleveland Ferguson directly impacts the long-term viability of transit services throughout Florida. The Interim Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous oversight of the downtown Skyway monorail and River Ferry operations to guarantee seamless passenger experiences. Through constant evaluation of market needs, the Interim Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary resources to expand the reach of the agency. Ultimately, Ferguson fosters a culture of innovation that supports the evolving transportation demands of the entire region.

    Heather Obora - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Heather Obora, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Jacksonville Transportation Authority, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation for the agency. Overseeing the budgeting process for bridge and highway construction projects, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources support long-term infrastructure goals. This leadership role involves monitoring revenue streams from transit services and optimizing cost structures to maintain agency stability. By implementing robust financial controls, Heather Obora directly impacts the ability of the organization to fund future expansion and maintenance efforts. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer coordinates with the Board to provide transparent reporting on fiscal performance and investment returns. Through strategic financial planning, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the economic foundation necessary for regional transit operations. Ultimately, Obora guarantees the fiscal integrity required to deliver consistent transportation solutions.

    Randall Barnes - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Randall Barnes, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Jacksonville Transportation Authority, directs the procurement and risk management strategies for the agency. Overseeing the financial aspects of vendor contracts and supply chain logistics, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that all procurement activities align with public sector compliance standards. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to mitigate financial risks associated with large-scale infrastructure projects. By optimizing the allocation of federal and state grants, Randall Barnes directly impacts the successful execution of transit service enhancements. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer works closely with operational teams to ensure that financial resources are available for the daily maintenance of the Skyway and River Ferry systems. Through diligent oversight of capital expenditures, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the sustainable growth of the agency. Ultimately, Barnes ensures financial accountability across all departments.

    Jeffrey Smith - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Jeffrey Smith, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Jacksonville Transportation Authority, manages the daily execution of transit services and infrastructure maintenance. Overseeing the operational performance of bus fleets and the downtown Skyway monorail, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ensures that service delivery meets safety and reliability benchmarks. This leadership role involves coordinating field teams to maintain bridges and highways while minimizing disruptions to the public. By streamlining operational processes, Jeffrey Smith directly impacts the efficiency and quality of the transit experience for commuters across Florida. The Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer collaborates with engineering departments to oversee the successful completion of construction projects. Through the implementation of rigorous safety protocols, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards for all transit operations. Ultimately, Smith drives the operational success required to keep the region moving.

    Arun Kalavakolanu - Chief Information Officer

    Arun Kalavakolanu, the Chief Information Officer at Jacksonville Transportation Authority, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern transit operations. Managing the integration of advanced data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that bus services and monorail scheduling remain optimized for maximum efficiency. This leadership role involves securing sensitive agency data while implementing cutting-edge technology to improve passenger communication and service reliability. By digitizing core operational workflows, Arun Kalavakolanu directly impacts the speed and accuracy of transit delivery across the Florida network. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align technological investments with the broader mission of infrastructure development. Through the deployment of scalable software solutions, the Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation initiatives that modernize the agency. Ultimately, Kalavakolanu maintains the technological backbone required to sustain high-quality transportation services for 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 Cleveland Ferguson (Interim Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Heather Obora (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Randall Barnes (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s executive team?
    The executive team of Jacksonville Transportation Authority includes leaders such as Cleveland Ferguson (Interim Chief Executive Officer), Heather Obora (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Randall Barnes (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial 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 Interim Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer.