Jay Stowe selected as JEA’s next managing director, CEO

JEA’s Board of Directors has selected the utility’s next managing director and CEO: Jay Stowe.

JEA says this brings a five-month search process to an end, with contract negotiations with Stowe to now get underway.

Stowe’s previous positions include, most recently, serving as CEO of Stowe Utility Group LLC in Chattanooga, Tennessee. JEA says he also has served as Senior Vice President at Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and as Vice President of Operations and President and CEO of Huntsville Utilities in Huntsville, Alabama.

WOKV reported last week when Stowe was one of three finalists interviewed for the position. Morgan O’Brien and John Hairston were the other two finalists.

“We were faced with choosing between three excellent candidates. And though it was a difficult choice, we feel confident that under Jay’s leadership, JEA will remain a leader in the Jacksonville community and the utility industry at large. Jay is energized, has extensive knowledge and experience, and we stand behind him. We are looking forward to a bright future for JEA,” said JEA Board Chairman John Baker.

Stowe will succeed Paul McElroy, who returned to serve as CEO on an interim basis in May 2020. McElroy previously served as JEA’s CEO from 2012 to 2018.

Cox Media Group