A.G. Gancarski
A shakeup in the office of Mayor Lenny Curry ends a particularly eventful week in Jacksonville politics.
Sports and Entertainment head Dave Herrell resigned, capping an almost four-year run after being appointed in 2014 by former Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown. The role, per Brown, was “a key position to build Jacksonville’s momentum as a premier destination for major sports and entertainment events.”
“It’s a sweet job for Herrell, who will earn $155,000,” observed the Tenneseean newspaper when Herrell was hired
Herrell was responsible in a previous role for elevating the status of the Fiesta Bowl; however, the TaxSlayer Bowl was not particularly elevated in his term.
Budget hearings between Herrell’s department and the Mayor’s senior staff, at times, were contentious, with Chief Administrative Officer Sam Mousa and others questioning the necessity for the department as it was constituted.
Herrell’s Resignation Letter indicates that, while the resignation is effective April 10, the actual departure date was February 9.
Herrell will use his leave time to “pursue professional opportunities.”
Meanwhile, there is a vacancy to fill in Curry’s senior team, as Chief of Staff Brian Hughes continues to settle into the role.
Marsha Oliver, spokeswoman for Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, confirmed Friday that Herrell resigned, but gave no indication as to why beyond providing the letter.
Developing story, expect updates.
