Mayor John Peyton has appointed Cyrus “Russ” Jollivette to the Jacksonville Airport Authority (JAA).
If confirmed by City Council, Jollivette will be the newest member of the JAA’s seven-member board, which works to enhance customer service at all JAA airports: Jacksonville International Airport (JIA), Craig Airport, Herlong Airport and Cecil Field. The JAA owns and manages the Jacksonville Airport System.
“Russ Jollivette has demonstrated great leadership in both professional and volunteer endeavors,” said Peyton, “and he’ll make an outstanding addition to the team. We look forward to his fresh perspective in addressing our city’s important airport issues.”
Jollivette currently serves as the group vice president for public affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida. As a member of the company’s senior management team, he provides executive leadership for government and legislative relations, public policy and corporate communications.
Over the last 27 years, Jollivette has held a number of senior executive positions. He led public affairs, government relations, university advancement and served as the corporate secretary for the University of Miami. He served as managing editor of The Miami Times, producer-moderator of “Perspective” and as government relations principal in the Jorden, Burt, Boros, Cicchetti, Berenson and Johnson law firm in Washington, D.C.
Jollivette has also been active in community and civic organizations throughout his career. He has twice served on the Campaign Cabinet for the United Way of Miami-Dade County; chaired the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) in Washington, D.C.; and served as a member and chair of the Public Health Trust of Miami-Dade County and the Biracial/Triethnic Advisory Committee of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Since joining BCBSF he has continued community service in a volunteer role with several local and statewide organizations. He is a life member of Miami’s Orange Bowl Committee.
Jollivette earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from C.W. Post College, a master’s degree in management from Long Island University and a law degree from the University of Miami School of Law.