J Magazine Summer 2018

DLEA
DER
SHIP
ISSUE
What we are
asking them
to share is an
unwavering
commitment
Downtown revitalization is not just a
to Downtown
project. It’s an intense, complex process, really a
cause, which requires an artful conglomeration of
revitalization
people with vision, power and talent working as a
team, with each member contributing some kind of and, when
leadership.
To be successful, it takes folks ranging from Shad necessary, an
Khan to Aundra Wallace to Lenny Curry to Lori
Boyer.
ability and
They bring different kinds of resources and
power, and they all have distinct personalities and
willingness
degrees of introversion/extroversion. They come
to compromise
from different roots. They have varying styles of
operating. Some are locals; some have moved to in the spirit of
Jacksonville from far away.
Importantly, they serve very different constit-
leadership.
uencies. While billionaire Khan is at a stage and
station in life where he can be his only constituent,
others have bosses of one kind or another. The
elected officials are acutely aware they will have to
face voters in the next election. Organization leaders
have to represent their boards and members.
Businesspeople and investors have to answer to the
marketplace.
What we are asking them to share is an unwavering
commitment to Downtown revitalization
and, when necessary, an ability and willingness to
compromise in the spirit of leadership.
Khan knew Jacksonville from years of using its
port for his auto parts business. He knows what
business success looks like. And he knows what
great cities look like
all over the world.
Jacksonville has the
physical beauty that
compares with the
best. It just needs a
smartly timed push
forward.
Daniel Davis, the
president and CEO
of the JAX Chamber,
knows Jacksonville
from his roots on the
Westside. Success in
City Council and the
Florida Legislature,
combined with experience
in the construction
industry, augment
his commitment to
Downtown.
Lori Boyer does the
hard work of research,
analyzing facts and
finding connections.
Her gift is putting
8 Qualities
That Define
Great
Leadership
1. Sincere enthusiasm
2. Integrity
3. Great communication
skills
4. Loyalty
5. Decisiveness
6. Managerial
competence
7. Empowerment
8. Charisma
SOURCE: Forbes
everything together. That led her to finding ways to
capitalize on Jacksonville’s magnificent waterfront.
Aundra Wallace brings experience to the actual
process of developing Downtown projects. It’s a
whole lot easier developing a vacant piece of farmland
than digging into an old, historic building that
hides all sorts of expensive surprises.
Among the leaders on the following pages,
you’ll find our neighbor, John Q. Cynic. He, or she,
can criticize and find fault — or can contribute
open-mindedness in support of the community.
These and other leaders are essential in reviving
Downtown — along with a conductor to synergize
this orchestra of development.
Together they bring chemistry and energy and
intellect on which we must capitalize and continue
to improve. Teamwork among them is paramount
to success for the community.
After a year of publication, J magazine, on the
following pages, offers this assessment of Downtown
Jacksonville’s leaders:
SUMMER 2018 | J MAGAZINE 25