Jacksonville Journey Forward Board
Legislative Authority: Ordinance 2024-635-E
Total Members: 11
Committee Duties: 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.
Upcoming Meeting Dates: Meetings will be held, unless otherwise indicated, at the Ed Ball Building, 214 N Hogan St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, Rm 851. (Meeting times and locations are subject to change.)
2026 Board Meeting Schedule:
- January 22 – 3:00 pm
- February 12 – 8:30 am
- February 19 – 3:00 pm (canceled)
- March 19 – 3:00 pm
- April 16 – 3:00 pm
- May 21 – 3:00 pm
- June 18 – 3:00 pm
- July 16 – 3:00 pm
- August 20 – 3:00 pm
- September 17 – 3:00 pm
- October 15 – 3:00 pm
- November 19 – 3:00 pm
- December 17 – 3:00 pm
Board Members
| Name | Category |
|---|---|
| James Ellout | Mayor 01 |
| W.C. Gentry | Mayor 02 |
| Sylvia Perry | Mayor 03 |
| Dr. Tes Tuason | Mayor 04 |
| LTG (ret.) Walter Piatt | Council 01 |
| Hilbert McDougal, Jr. | Council 02 |
| Stephen Zona | Council 03 |
| Betty Seabrook Burney | Duval County Public Schools |
| Octavius Holliday | State Attorney |
| Bernie de la Rionda | Chief Judge |
| Lawrence Schmitt | Jacksonville Sheriff |
Contact Staff
| Name | Position | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deborah Sibley | KHA - Special Projects Manager | (904) 255-4449 | sibleyd@coj.net |
Subcommittees
EARLY LITERACY
- W.C. Gentry
- Dr. Tes Tauson
- Betty Burney - Chair
RE ENTRY
- Lawrence Schmitt
- LTG Walter Piatt
- Bernie de la Rionda - Chair
JUVENILE JUSTICE
- James Ellout - Chair
- Steve Zona
- Octavius Holliday
SCHOOL RELATED PROGRAMS
- Sylvia Perry
- James Ellout
- Hilbert McDougal - Chair
FINANCE
- Hilbert McDougal
- LTG Walter Piatt – Chair
GOVERNANCE & OVERSIGHT
TBD