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Jax Downtown Investment Authority Names Its First CEO

Kevin Meerschaert

The Jacksonville Downtown Investment Authority has named Aundra Wallaceas its Chief Executive Officer. Wallace is currently the Executive Director of the Detroit Land Trust, and organization dedicated to redevelopment efforts through public-private partnerships.

In a ranking of the candidates skills Wallace edged out Kevin Hanna from the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority.

Wallace has over 20 years of experience in redevelopment projects.

In a statement Mayor Alvin Brown said, “The DIA is intensifying our efforts to direct good-paying career opportunities and economic activity to our city center...I’m pleased to welcome Mr. Wallace to our city and look forward to our work together to achieve our collective goal of attracting new Downtown residents and visitors."

DIA Board Chairman Donald Harris says he likes the enthusiasm and energy Wallace brings to the job.

He  has asked Vice-Chair Oliver Barakat to take the lead on negotiating a contract with Wallace.       

Kevin Meerschaert has left WJCT for new pursuits. He was the producer of First Coast Connect until October of 2018.