Jacksonville Civic Council Chairman Steve Halverson said Monday that Susie Wiles, a political veteran who helped advise the council when it formed, has agreed to serve as interim director.
Wiles will take the role held by inaugural Executive Director Don Shea, who returned to New Orleans to become director of economic development for St. Tammany Parish.
"Susie is the perfect choice and I am grateful she has agreed to join us," Halverson said in a news release.
"She helped us establish the Jacksonville Civic Council in the very beginning and performed superbly. Her knowledge and experience on a wide range of issues will help the council move forward over the next few months as we identify issues of focus that will benefit the community, and identify our next executive director," he said.
The private, nonprofit council was formed in 2010 and succeeded the Jacksonville Non-Group. Its membership of almost 60 people comprises business and civic leaders.
Its mission is to create a clear vision for the city along with strategies and tactics to achieve it.