To the editor:
As past presidents of the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach, we are deeply troubled by the unsubstantiated attacks on the character and leadership of JEA CEO Vickie Cavey.
Those of us who know Vickie do not recognize the portrayal implied by recent allegations. We know a hard-working, dedicated and principled leader whose integrity has been proven time and again through both her distinguished career and her steadfast community service.
Vickie is not a political appointment. She is a 32-year JEA veteran who rose through the ranks to senior leadership. When political turmoil and corruption threatened to erode public trust in the utility, Vickie came out of retirement to help restore credibility, transparency and operational excellence. Her unmatched institutional knowledge and unquestioned integrity led to her appointment as CEO — a role she accepted out of her deep loyalty to the organization, its employees and the community it serves.
Vickie’s commitment to service extends far beyond JEA. When our Rotary Club president relocated out of state, Vickie stepped into the role without hesitation, ensuring stability and continued impact for a nonprofit that has contributed nearly $2 million to First Coast charities. Her leadership was inclusive, mission-centered and focused on lifting others.
She has likewise given generously of her time, talent and resources to many local nonprofits, often quietly and without recognition.
Allegations of racism and fostering a toxic culture are wholly inconsistent with the leader we know — fair, respectful and genuinely committed to people at every level.
Character is revealed over a lifetime. Vickie’s decades of service speak with clarity and conviction. We stand firmly and confidently in support of her continued leadership.
Respectfully,
Lori Anderson
Bruce Barber
Jeptha Barbour
Michael Bruce
Beverly Flanagan
Jim Hoener
Jennifer Logue
Shelley Morgan
Ronald Renuart
Ken Smith
Billy Wagner
