JEA hired its human resources business partner and consultant Paul McFadden as the city-owned utility’s first director of diversity, equity and inclusion.
McFadden started Jan. 3 with an annual salary of $132,516, JEA said in a news release.
The electric and water utility said it created the position to grow diversity within the organization and make “strong connections with diverse groups” in the community.
“JEA continues to build a culture that is firmly rooted in courtesy and respect,” JEA Managing Director and CEO Jay Stowe said in the release.
“We are committed to creating an atmosphere that is diverse, respectful and inclusive. This is a big step in our journey, and we’re happy to have Paul at the helm.”
JEA said McFadden will “provide strategic direction in executing JEA’s vision of sustaining an inclusive, respectful, and diverse culture.”
McFadden’s experience at JEA includes consulting work with management on human resources issues, the release said.