Joseph Belechak, chosen by the JEA board of directors in July as the next authority CEO and managing director, withdrew his candidacy for the position Tuesday.
Belechak notified Ashton Hudson, JEA board chairman, Tuesday evening of his intent to withdraw, citing family considerations. His decision was announced after JEA extended an offer.
“He said that after thoughtful and careful consideration, the job was just not what was best for him and his family,” Hudson said Wednesday.
The JEA board has scheduled a special meeting for 1:30 p.m. Friday “for the purpose of determining the next steps for CEO succession,” according to a public notice.
Belechak is a former senior vice president of nuclear fuels at Westinghouse Electric Co. in Pennsylvania and, along with JEA Chief Financial Officer Paul McElroy, was one of two finalists for the position.
The next JEA CEO will replace Jim Dickenson, who will retire when his contract expires Feb. 1. He announced Jan. 17 his decision to retire in 2013 and the search for his replacement began.
The special meeting will be on the eighth floor of the JEA Tower at 21 W. Church St.
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