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Samantha Vance Named Executive Director of Jacksonville Sports Foundation

People participating in a community sports event organized by the Jacksonville Sports Foundation.

News Summary

Jacksonville has appointed Samantha Vance as the new executive director of the Jacksonville Sports Foundation (JSF). With extensive experience in sports leadership, including consulting roles in major leagues, Vance aims to enhance community support and attraction of significant sporting events, benefiting local businesses. Her background also includes founding a successful nonprofit for young women. As excitement surrounds her appointment, the city also faces controversy over a substantial salary increase for the JEA CEO, prompting discussions among residents.

Jacksonville Welcomes Samantha Vance as New Executive Director of Sports Foundation

Change is in the air for sports enthusiasts in Jacksonville! The city has just appointed Samantha Vance as the new executive director of the Jacksonville Sports Foundation (JSF), and excitement is buzzing in the community! With her impressive resume, Vance is expected to bring her wealth of experience to the table as she steps into this vital role.

A Leader with Experience

Samantha Vance isn’t just another name on the list; she comes with a robust background in sports leadership. Throughout her career, she has consulted with major leagues like the NFL and NBA. It’s safe to say she knows the ins and outs of the sports world, making her the perfect fit for the job. Beyond sports, she has a rich history leading various nonprofits, which shows she is all about community support and development.

Before heading to Jacksonville, Vance was actively involved in the nonprofit sector in Tallahassee, where she served as an officer and board member on several organizations. Her academic journey took her through the halls of Florida State University, and she’s even earned a spot in the Tallahassee State College Hall of Fame — quite the accolade!

The Mission of the Jacksonville Sports Foundation

The Jacksonville Sports Foundation, which kicked off its activities early this year, has a clear and exciting mission. It aims to rally different organizations together to help attract events that could pack a real economic punch for the city. Given Jacksonville’s rich sporting culture, the JSF has the potential to catalyze numerous events that benefit local businesses and the community as a whole.

Michael Corrigan, the president of the JSF Board, has expressed his confidence in Vance’s capabilities. He pointed out her commitment to community empowerment and strategic growth, emphasizing that her leadership role aligns perfectly with the foundation’s vision for Jacksonville.

Samantha’s Notable Contributions

Vance’s dedication doesn’t stop with sports; she also founded a fantastic statewide nonprofit called Ladies Learning to Lead. This initiative has already supported over 5,000 young women by assisting them with college and career preparation. That’s a tremendous impact right there! Additionally, she has made substantial contributions as a Commissioner for the Florida Status of Women & Girls and was selected as a gubernatorial-appointed advisor on the Florida Delinquency Prevention State Board.

A Controversial Salary Increase for JEA CEO

25% salary increase for CEO Vickie Cavey. This boosts her salary to an astonishing $700,000 per year, which breaks down to around $336.54 per hour. This salary increase is raising eyebrows, especially as concerns loom over a potential customer rate increase scheduled for April 1. The board claims there’s no link between these two financial decisions, but many residents are left scratching their heads.

With exciting changes and some controversy on the horizon, it’s a thrilling time to keep an eye on what’s happening in Jacksonville. Samantha Vance’s new role at the JSF promises to bring positive developments for the sports community, while the JEA’s salary hike is sure to spark broader discussions in the city.

Stay tuned, Jacksonville — the next chapter is just beginning!