JEA Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

JEA has 10 executives leading key functions including strategic oversight, information technology, financial management, human resources, legal affairs, and operational leadership.

Committed to reliable utility infrastructure, JEA delivers essential electric, water, and sewer services while maintaining a focus on sustainable community growth and operational excellence across the Florida region.

Leadership Roles at JEA

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jim Evans
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Jason Abernathy
  • Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director - Vickie Cavey
  • Interim Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director - Jody Brooks
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Joseph Orfano
  • President - Steve Kerbel
  • Chief Information Officer - Steven Selders
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - David Emanuel
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Diane Moser
  • Chief Legal Officer - Regina Ross
  • Jim Evans - Chief Executive Officer

    Jim Evans, the Chief Executive Officer at JEA, directs the overarching strategic vision for the utility provider. Evans manages the integration of electric distribution, water supply, and sewer systems to ensure consistent service delivery across the Florida market. By aligning departmental goals with long-term infrastructure requirements, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation and capital investment. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine operational policies and enhance service reliability. Jim Evans maintains a focus on modernizing utility assets to meet evolving consumer demands. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer drives efficiency and maintains the financial health of the enterprise. Evans ensures that all utility operations adhere to strict regulatory standards while fostering a culture of safety and innovation within the organization.

    Jason Abernathy - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Jason Abernathy, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at JEA, architects the foundational business model governing the utility operations. Abernathy drives the expansion of electric and water infrastructure to support regional development. As the Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Abernathy monitors market trends to anticipate future utility needs and implements scalable solutions for the sewer systems. This position requires close collaboration with executive leadership to maintain the competitive standing of the company. Jason Abernathy prioritizes the development of sustainable energy practices that benefit the community. By evaluating operational metrics, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer identifies opportunities for process improvement and technological integration. Abernathy secures the long-term viability of the utility services through strategic planning and proactive management of the core infrastructure assets.

    Vickie Cavey - Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director

    Vickie Cavey, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director at JEA, oversees the daily execution of utility management strategies. Cavey directs the operational teams responsible for maintaining the integrity of electric, water, and sewer networks. As the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Cavey coordinates cross-functional efforts to ensure seamless service delivery across the service territory. This role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and ensuring compliance with regional utility mandates. Vickie Cavey implements performance benchmarks to track the efficiency of infrastructure maintenance and service response times. By fostering operational discipline, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director supports the broader mission of providing reliable utility access. Cavey drives initiatives that enhance system resilience and customer satisfaction through consistent, high-quality service delivery and strategic resource management.

    Jody Brooks - Interim Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director

    Jody Brooks, the Interim Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director at JEA, stabilizes the organizational trajectory during the current transition period. Brooks directs the core utility functions, ensuring that electric, water, and sewer services remain uninterrupted for the community. As the Interim Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Brooks maintains operational continuity while evaluating existing processes for potential optimization. This leadership role requires balancing immediate service demands with the long-term strategic goals of the utility provider. Jody Brooks collaborates with the executive team to uphold service standards and regulatory compliance. By monitoring key performance indicators, the Interim Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director identifies critical areas for improvement. Brooks drives the execution of essential maintenance projects and ensures that the organization remains focused on its primary mission of reliable utility provision.

    Joseph Orfano - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Joseph Orfano, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at JEA, manages the fiscal planning and capital budgeting for the utility provider. Orfano directs the financial analysis of electric, water, and sewer infrastructure projects to ensure cost-effective operations. As the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Orfano monitors revenue streams and expenditure patterns to maintain the financial stability of the organization. This role involves working closely with the finance team to prepare accurate reporting and support strategic investment decisions. Joseph Orfano oversees the allocation of funds for system upgrades and maintenance, ensuring that capital is deployed efficiently. By analyzing market conditions and regulatory requirements, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer drives the development of sustainable financial strategies. Orfano ensures that the company maintains a strong fiscal position while continuing to deliver essential services to the community.

    Steve Kerbel - President

    Steve Kerbel, the President at JEA, directs the day-to-day business operations and strategic execution for the utility provider. Kerbel manages the performance of the electric, water, and sewer divisions to ensure operational excellence. As the President, Kerbel coordinates the efforts of the executive team to achieve corporate goals and improve service delivery. This role involves overseeing the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects and ensuring that operational targets are met. Steve Kerbel monitors the efficiency of utility systems and drives initiatives that enhance service reliability for the community. By fostering collaboration across departments, the President ensures that the organization remains focused on its core mission. Kerbel maintains a strong emphasis on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, ensuring that the company continues to provide essential services effectively and sustainably.

    Steven Selders - Chief Information Officer

    Steven Selders, the Chief Information Officer at JEA, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the utility operations. Selders directs the implementation of advanced data systems that monitor electric distribution and water supply networks. As the Chief Information Officer, Selders ensures the security and reliability of the technology stack used to manage sewer systems and customer data. This role involves coordinating with other C-suite leaders to integrate digital solutions that improve operational efficiency. Steven Selders oversees the deployment of smart grid technologies to enhance service monitoring and response capabilities. By leveraging data analytics, the Chief Information Officer drives informed decision-making across the organization. Selders maintains a focus on cybersecurity and system resilience, ensuring that the technological foundation supports the company's commitment to providing consistent and reliable utility services.
    Steven Selders

    David Emanuel - Chief Human Resources Officer

    David Emanuel, the Chief Human Resources Officer at JEA, directs the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for the utility provider. Emanuel manages the recruitment of specialized personnel required to operate and maintain electric, water, and sewer systems. As the Chief Human Resources Officer, Emanuel designs training programs that ensure staff possess the technical skills necessary for safe and efficient utility management. This role involves fostering a culture of safety and professional growth across all departments. David Emanuel oversees the implementation of performance management systems that align employee contributions with the company's strategic objectives. By focusing on organizational development, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives the retention of high-performing talent. Emanuel ensures that the workforce remains capable of meeting the evolving demands of the utility industry and the community.

    Diane Moser - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Diane Moser, the Chief Human Resources Officer at JEA, architects the employee engagement and labor relations frameworks for the organization. Moser directs the administration of benefits and compensation structures that support the workforce responsible for electric, water, and sewer operations. As the Chief Human Resources Officer, Moser manages internal communications and organizational change initiatives to maintain high levels of productivity. This role involves collaborating with leadership to ensure that human capital strategies support the company's operational goals. Diane Moser oversees the development of diversity and inclusion programs that strengthen the organizational culture. By analyzing workforce metrics, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives improvements in employee satisfaction and operational efficiency. Moser ensures that the company maintains a robust and motivated team capable of delivering reliable utility services to the region.
    Regina Ross, the Chief Legal Officer at JEA, directs the legal strategy and regulatory compliance efforts for the utility provider. Ross manages the legal risks associated with the operation of electric, water, and sewer systems. As the Chief Legal Officer, Ross provides counsel on contractual agreements, environmental regulations, and corporate governance matters. This role involves representing the company in legal proceedings and ensuring that all operations adhere to state and federal utility laws. Regina Ross oversees the internal compliance programs that mitigate risk and protect the company's assets. By coordinating with external legal counsel and regulatory bodies, the Chief Legal Officer drives the resolution of complex legal challenges. Ross ensures that the organization maintains high ethical standards while pursuing its mission of providing essential utility services to the community.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding JEA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads JEA?
    JEA is led by Jim Evans (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jason Abernathy (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Vickie Cavey (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director).
    Who is part of JEA’s executive team?
    The executive team of JEA includes leaders such as Jim Evans (Chief Executive Officer), Jason Abernathy (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Vickie Cavey (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does JEA have?
    JEA has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in JEA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of JEA includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Interim Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Deputy Chief Financial Officer.