Michael Boylan

Michael and his family moved to Jacksonville in May 1999 when he joined WJCT Public Broadcasting as its President & CEO.  During his tenure WJCT completed the federally mandated transition to digital television in 2003, not only broadcasting in high definition but increasing its number of television channels from one to five, the last of which was the 24-hour PBS Kids Channel.  In 2006 WJCT introduced the first full-powered HD radio station on the First Coast and added two more HD radio services…89.9HD Arts and Relax Radio. Under his leadership WJCT has forged numerous community partnerships and the development of a wealth of local programs and outreach initiatives. In 2013 Michael took the lead in forging the Digital Convergence Alliance, eleven public television stations from around the country with the goal of developing initiatives that would result in significant operational savings and the generation of new revenue opportunities for its members. The first venture was the creation of a broadcast operations service, managed and operated by WJCT’s affiliate, JCT Services, that provides more than 17 million households with public television, all emanating from Jacksonville.

His personal commitment of service spans the twenty-five years he has called Jacksonville home. He has held board leadership roles on a broad array of community organizations including Leadership Jacksonville, the North Florida Council of the Boys Scouts of America, the Jacksonville Symphony Association, Visit Jacksonville and St. Vincent’s Healthcare, to name just a few.  He served as the Chair of the Northeast Florida Long Term Recovery Organization (NFLTRO) leading more than 30 faith-based, non-profit, governmental agencies and businesses working together to assist families in the repair and/or replacement of their homes which were damaged during Hurricane Irma. Through the NFLTRO, the occurrence of duplicated services was reduced, and the efforts of all involved agencies are amplified and leveraged so as to effectively and expediently serve these individuals and families.

During his tenure on Council, he has served as chair of three standing committee and led three special committees: the Future of JEA; the Critical Quality of Life where the focus was access to healthcare, homelessness and affordable housing; and the JSO’s Primary Facilities. He has the unique pleasure being recognized by three different Council presidents for his leadership…the Chales D Webb, Mary Singleton and the President’s Award. He is the first Council member to receive all three.

 Michael is a graduate of John Carroll University and received his Master’s degree in Telecommunications from Kent State University.  He and his wife, Susan, have been married for forty-nine years; have two grown children, two grandsons and one granddaughter, all of whom call Mandarin home.  They are members of San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church where he has served as chair of its last two building campaigns.


To see legislation filed by Council Member Michael Boylan, please click here.