Arezou Jolly Named to JTA Board of Directors

Arezou “Ari” Jolly has been appointed to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s (JTA) Board of Directors by Gov. Rick Scott. Jolly will replace Donna L. Harper who has been instrumental in the hiring of the JTA’s last three chief executive officers.

Jolly is an assistant general counsel at Florida Blue where she provides primary legal support to the diversified business unit as well as to the corporate development operations. Prior to joining Florida Blue in 1993; Jolly practiced with the law firm of Rogers, Towers, Bailey, Jones and Gay. She also served as an officer in the United States Navy from 1983 to 1990. In 1987, Jolly received the Navy Achievement Medal. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville University and a law degree from Florida State University College of Law. She specializes in corporate law, contracts, and health law.

“We are very pleased with the Governor’s appointment of Ms. Jolly to the Board of Directors.” said JTA CEO Nathaniel P. Ford, Sr. “We look forward to her contributions, perspective and her wealth of knowledge in the field of law, health care and veteran relations.”

Jolly serves as the chair of the Greater Jacksonville United Service Organizations (USO), past chair of the Veterans Network at Florida Blue and corporate secretary to the Boards of Florida Health Care Plan, Navigy Holdings and Guidewell, Inc.

Jolly will attend her first JTA Board meeting on March 26.

Donna Harper retires from the authority’s board of directors after serving for 13 years in various positions, including secretary, treasurer, vice-chair and chair in 2003, 2004 and 2014. Harper masterfully led the authority through the launch of a new financial system, the extension of the Local Option Gas Tax, Campus Master Plan, implementation of the Route Optimization Initiative and groundbreaking of the downtown phase of the First Coast Flyer.

“It was a privilege to have Donna Harper lead our Board in 2014,” said current JTA Chairman Scott L. McCaleb. “On behalf of the JTA family, we extend our sincerest gratitude to Donna for her enduring commitment to the Authority.”