When 2013 begins Tuesday, the emphasis in Jacksonville will really be on the "New" in this New Year.
Perhaps never before in our history have we had so many new faces moving into critical places of leadership in the community.
Think about it.
Jacksonville will have nine new executives or chairs of major organizations, including the Duval County School Board, Jacksonville Electric Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, Downtown Investment Authority, Office of Economic Development, Florida State College at Jacksonville and Jacksonville Civic Council.
And, for the first time in almost 20 years we'll have a new person running the JAX Chamber after Wally Lee retires.
These aren't just idle and unimportant jobs.
These are the people who are responsible for just about everything important to us, from public education to economic development. They will make decisions about how we move, where we grow and if we will have abundant and economic energy that attracts new industry.
Is all of this change a big risk? Or, does it give us a great opportunity to seize the future and finally push Jacksonville over that undefined speed bump that has often gotten in our way?
Can this new leadership give us new energy?
Can this "new start" be our foundation to build a competitive advantage with other cities that want the same economic investments, jobs and quality of life that we want?
Before we answer those questions, I do think we need to ask ourselves if there is a particular reason so many top executives have vacated their offices.
Is it just a coincidence? Is it just the natural order of things? (Of course, some were dismissed and others retired.)
Wouldn't this be a good time to take a deep breath and actually determine what it is we expect and what we want moving forward?
With this new slate of leaders — who carry first class credentials and each have a distinct set of professional skills — shouldn't we figure out how to maximize their collective talents to move Jacksonville forward?
Being hired as the superintendent of our school system or the executive director of the Jacksonville Port Authority — or any of these jobs — is an intense and grueling process. These are hard-driving and successful executives.
How do we connect this energy to light up Jacksonville?
There's no question their responsibilities are to the boards and authorities that have hired them. When they wake up each morning the first priority is to lead his or her organization with operational excellence and fiscal accountability.
And, if they do that, it naturally makes us better.
But, with leadership from the mayor and a little extra effort, can't they do so much more?
Which begs the question: What is the mayor's responsibility? Is it simply to wish our new executives well and tell them to call him if they need something?
A first step is to make them feel welcome and wanted. These folks aren't coming here just to jump through hoops as hired guns. They are making Jacksonville home, bringing their families here and making an investment in the community.
A welcoming environment and an accepting culture are very important.
That begins at the top with the mayor and it includes all of us.
Do these new executives know the mayor's vision for Jacksonville? Do they each share that vision and know how they can contribute?
Conversely, does the mayor have a clear understanding of where each of these executives wants to take their own organizations? Does the mayor know how he can help them be successful?
We have a strong mayor form of government for a reason. That means the mayor must lead. One good way to lead is to be surrounded by strong people and embrace good ideas.
Is this a good time for the mayor to form a Council of Leaders that consists of these new executives to open communications and create a culture of teamwork for Jacksonville?
Is it possible, is it probable, that we can align Jacksonville's stars and reach our potential to be one of the brightest shining cities in America?
I hope so. I do know this. We are in an essential place right now with a chance to create something really special. I just hope we take advantage of it.