JEA's board unanimously appointed Jody Brooks as the utility's interim managing director and CEO Friday, replacing Vickie Cavey, JEA announced.

JEA, Jacksonville's municipal utility, serves more than 1 million residents across Duval, Clay, St. Johns and Nassau counties. The board said it has begun searching for a permanent successor, though no timeline or search firm has been announced.

Board Chair M.G. Orender said Brooks' deep familiarity with the utility drove the decision.

"We are very fortunate to have Jody Brooks for many reasons, not the least of which is her extensive knowledge of JEA," Orender said in a statement posted to JEA's account on X. "She has such a vast understanding of JEA operations as well as institutional knowledge."

Brooks has held several top JEA posts

Brooks is no newcomer to JEA. She served as the utility's first chief legal officer from 2016 to 2019, then as chief administrative officer from 2021 to 2023, according to a JEA news release. She returned to JEA as chief administrative officer in June 2024 after running a legal practice in Orange Park. She also previously supported JEA as an attorney with the city of Jacksonville's Office of General Counsel.

She brings 30 years of legal experience and expertise in federal, state and local utility regulation and Florida environmental law, according to JEA. Brooks holds a law degree from the University of Florida and a bachelor's degree in business from Jacksonville University.

Already leading the utility before the vote

Brooks had already been serving in the interim role before Friday's formal vote. She was publicly identified as interim managing director and CEO as early as August, when she represented JEA in proceedings tied to a 675-megawatt combined-cycle power plant approved by the Florida Public Service Commission, First Coast Observer reported.

Cavey's departure follows a leave of absence

Cavey, a 34-year JEA veteran, returned to the utility in 2024 after retiring, Florida Politics reported. She became interim managing director and then was named CEO in September 2024. Cavey took a leave of absence in July, and her departure was announced soon after. The specific reason for her exit has not been publicly confirmed.

News4JAX first reported the board's Friday vote. No date for the permanent CEO search has been set.