Mayor Donna Deegan announced the launch of the Jacksonville Journey Forward initiative. The 11-member Board of Directors represents a diverse range of expertise and leadership across Jacksonville. Their first meeting this week marks a significant step in advancing the city’s commitment to collaborative, community-driven solutions that reduce factors related to violence, strengthen neighborhoods, and improve the quality of life for all residents.
Jacksonville Journey Forward Board Meeting
Thursday, February 27, 2025 – 3PM
City Hall, Lynwood Roberts Room, 1st Floor
117 West Duval Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
*The first meeting will focus on juvenile justice intervention.
The Jacksonville Journey Forward Board will guide the initiative’s efforts to address the root causes of violence and crime, with a focus on prevention, intervention, and collaboration. Members of the board bring together talent and expertise from law enforcement, education, the judicial system, public health, and grassroots community advocacy. This intentional diversity reflects the program’s mission to bring together differing viewpoints and unite all corners of the community in building a safer, stronger Jacksonville.
The 11 nominated individuals include four members selected by the Mayor, three members selected by the City Council President, and one each nominated by the Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools, the State Attorney of the 4th Judicial District, the Chief Judge of the 4th Judicial District, and the Jacksonville Sheriff.
“Journey Forward is more than an initiative. It’s a commitment to our community’s safety, health, and future,” said Mayor Donna Deegan. “These nominees reflect the depth of talent and diversity in our city. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise and a shared vision for a Jacksonville where every neighborhood is safe, every family is supported, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.”
City Council President Randy White emphasized the future impact of City Council appointments: “The nomination and appointment of these three dedicated individuals to the Journey Forward board reflects my commitment to a brighter, safer future for our city. Their leadership and vision will help guide us as we continue to strengthen our community and move it forward.”
The board’s work will include developing a plan approach to comprehensive, multi-agency strategy to reduce violence and addressing issues such as juvenile justice and diversion, ex-offender reentry, family support, and neighborhood stabilization. The appointments include:
James Ellout
Vice President, Community Impact, United Way of Northeast Florida
Appointed by Mayor Deegan
W.C. Gentry
Attorney, Gentry Law
Appointed by Mayor Deegan
Dr. LaTonya Summers
Associate Professor & Department Chair, Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences, Jacksonville University
Appointed by Mayor Deegan
Dr. Tes Tuason
Professor, Public Health, Brooks College of Health, University of North Florida
Appointed by Mayor Deegan
LTG (ret.) Walter Piatt
CEO, Wounded Warrior Project
Appointed by Council President White
Hilbert McDougal, Jr.
Owner, New Look Barber and Beauty Shop
Appointed by Council President White
Stephen Zona
Retired JSO
Appointed by Council President White
Betty Seabrook Burney
Founder, I’m A STAR Foundation
Appointed by DCPS Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier
Octavius Holliday
Assistant State Attorney, State Attorney Office - Fourth Judicial Circuit
Appointed by State Attorney Melissa Nelson
Lawrence Schmitt
Retired JSO Director
Appointed by Sheriff T.K. Waters
TBD: Judicial Appointment
Pending Nomination by Chief Judge Lance Day
About the Jacksonville Journey Forward Initiative: The Jacksonville Journey Forward is a community-based violence prevention effort aimed at addressing the root causes of crime through prevention, intervention, and collaboration. Guided by a dedicated board of directors, the initiative focuses on uniting city agencies, public safety experts, grassroots organizations, and community leaders to create sustainable, long-term solutions that improve public safety and quality of life for all residents. To learn more, visit jacksonville.gov/JourneyForward.