• Mayor Alvin Brown has appointed Glenn Hansen as budget officer and Karim Kurji as head of fleet management. Hansen has been with StrategicIntegration in St. Marys, Ga., since 2007, when he retired from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago after 25 years. He served as its general auditor for six years and as senior vice president of the Detroit Branch. Kurji most recently was CFO of the World Trade Association in Coral Springs. He was with Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. in Jacksonville as an auditor and controller before working in financial positions that include with General Motors in Detroit.
• Speaking of Brown, the mayor isn’t supporting casino gambling in Jacksonville, regardless of what the state Legislature might approve in Florida. A member of the Southside Business Men’s Club asked Brown Wednesday what is planned for the Duval County Courthouse riverfront land after the functions relocate to a new site this spring. A casino, maybe? “Everybody lay hands on him right now!” Brown shouted, bowing with outstretched arms toward the businessman.
• It didn’t take long for JAXUSA Partnership to book new Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan at its quarterly luncheon. Khan is scheduled to meet with the JAX Chamber group Feb. 24 for “Ready to Rise: Lunch with Shahid Khan” at the Hyatt Downtown. Information: www.myjaxchamber.com.
• Candace Hodgkins was named CEO of Gateway Community Services. She formerly was senior vice president of research. She joined the Gateway staff in 1997 as the program administrator at TPC Village, which has recently been relocated to Daniel Memorial Campus. Former Gateway President and CEO Gary Powers retired from his position as CEO but will consult with the board and Hodgkins when needed.