News Summary
Jacksonville’s Chief Administrative Officer, Karen Bowling, has announced her resignation effective October 24, 2025. Mayor Donna Deegan praised her contributions, particularly in navigating a challenging budget. Bowling’s career is marked by significant roles in both public and private sectors, making her departure a pivotal moment for the city’s administration. Following her exit, Deputy CAO Kelli O’Leary will lead the executive branch departments as the city prepares for a transition in leadership.
Jacksonville officials confirmed that Karen Bowling will resign from her position as Chief Administrative Officer, effective October 24, 2025. The resignation announcement was made by the Mayor’s Office on October 2, 2025. Mayor Donna Deegan expressed her appreciation for Bowling’s years of service, acknowledging her role in laying a strong foundation for the administration and building an effective team.
Bowling’s decision to leave comes shortly after the approval of a contentious budget, which has been described as one of the most challenging in Jacksonville’s history. Following her departure, Kelli O’Leary, currently the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, will continue to direct executive branch departments, with support from Chief of Staff Mike Weinstein. The Mayor’s Office also indicated plans to assess staffing needs after the holiday season.
Bowling’s career is notable for her diverse experience in both public and private sectors. Prior to becoming Jacksonville’s CAO under Mayor Deegan, she served as the director of entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of North Florida. She also previously held the CAO position under former Mayor Alvin Brown. Additionally, Bowling co-founded Solantic Urgent Care with former Governor Rick Scott in 2001 and had a role as CEO of a network of urgent care clinics, as well as a health care executive in various organizations.
Several city council members have commended Bowling for her leadership. Council member Rahman Johnson highlighted her ability to guide the city through difficult situations, noting that she was the first woman to serve as CAO in Jacksonville. Council member Ron Salem expressed gratitude for her service, emphasizing their productive working relationship and her effective communication skills. In contrast, Council member Rory Diamond commented with sarcasm on the competence of remaining senior staff following her exit.
Bowing’s resignation notice to the mayor was brief and did not provide specific reasons for her departure. She was one of the first individuals appointed by Mayor Deegan following her election in 2023. Mayor Deegan underlined the significant progress made in Jacksonville during Bowling’s time in office, reflecting on her contributions to the administration.
Bowling has a long history of leadership in both business and community service within the Northeast Florida region. Her experience includes serving as the first vice president of jobs for the University of North Florida for three years prior to her tenure as CAO. Throughout her career, she has earned recognition for her ability to clarify complex issues and maintain a high standard of professionalism.
As Jacksonville prepares for Bowling’s departure, the focus will shift to ensuring continuity in leadership and evaluating the structure of the executive branch under Mayor Deegan. The transition will likely shape the administration’s direction in the coming months as officials seek to maintain the momentum built during Bowling’s administration.
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax: Karen Bowling Leaving Mayor’s Office
- Jacksonville Daily Record: Karen Bowling Stepping Down
- Action News Jax: Jacksonville’s Chief Administrative Officer Resignation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jacksonville
- Action News Jax: Derogatory Memo Aimed at City Council
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
