After serving on an interim basis since mid-April, Helena Parola has been appointed director of the city of Jacksonville Planning and Development Department.
Parola replaces R. Brett James as the top administrator in the department. James resigned April 11 at the request of Mayor Donna Deegan’s office, and Parola was named interim director days later.
Parola, who has 26 years of experience as a planner for the city, was promoted to lead the Community Planning Division in July 2024.
After James' departure, Parola had been interim director of the Planning and Development Department and also served as chief of the Community Planning Division.
Melissa Ross, the director of strategic initiatives and press liaison in Deegan’s administration, confirmed June 4 that Parola had been elevated to the director position. Ross said Parola’s annual salary will be $190,550.04.
According to a June 5 news release from the city, Parola's responsibilities include serving as a liaison to City Council, city departments and commissions, and state and regional agencies.
She also leads special projects, including the Manatee Protection Plan and Brownfields Program, and reviews work in local historic districts.
The department includes the Community Planning Division, Current Planning Division, Transportation Planning Division and Office of Resilience.
In the release, Parola said her goal was to work with residents, developers and officials to "create a healthier environment through the policy and planning process."
"I really love this city, and I want everyone who lives here to be proud to call it home," she said.
Deegan said in the release that Parola “brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of knowledge to the position, both of which will benefit her department, and in turn, our citizens.”
Parola is the department’s third director since August 2023, when Bill Killingsworth was hired as Atlantic Beach’s city manager. Deegan appointed James to the position in February 2024.
Editor's note: This story was updated with information from a June 5 news release from the city.