Emily Moody, former vice president and chief experience officer for Jacksonville’s Phoenix Arts & Entertainment District, known as PHXJAX, announced April 3 she has moved to a role with Gateway Jax.
Moody, co-owner of vintage apparel and accessories shop Wolf & Cub, began working for PHXJAX in 2022 as director of community engagement. She became vice president in June 2024.
“While I am moving on from my daily role here, my heart remains deeply rooted in this neighborhood,” Moody wrote in an email.
“I am thrilled to stay an active part of this community by continuing my work on the boards of Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) and Friends of PHXJAX. I can’t wait to join you in watching this district continue to flourish and grow.”
PHXJAX, in North Springfield, comprises several early 20th-century industrial buildings that are being adapted for modern use.
The first renovated building, the 17,000-square-foot Emerald Station, opened in October 2024 with a 10,000-square-foot event space, offices, meeting rooms and a catering kitchen.
Moody will move to a position as director of placemaking and experience with Gateway Jax, she said. Gateway Jax is a planned mixed-use development Downtown, led by CEO Bryan Moll, JWB Real Estate Capital and DLP Capital.
Moody also announced that PHXJAX hired Yanira “Yaya” Cardona as its general manager. Cardona moves to PHXJAX from a role as the city of Jacksonville’s Hispanic outreach coordinator, where she came under scrutiny after warning residents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities in the city.
“Many of you already know Yaya’s incredible energy, and I know the District is in incredible hands,” Moody wrote.
Cardona was placed on administrative leave in January after making comments on Instagram about locations of ICE officers.
Mayor Donna Deegan told reporters that Cardona was suspended for violating social media policy and not clearing her comments with the mayor’s office, rather than for any comments she made. Cardona returned to work for the city in late January.
In her resignation notice, Cardona wrote that her last day with the city would be April 17.
“I am truly grateful for Yaya’s service to our community,” Deegan said in a statement.
“Today, the community is more connected to the city than ever before because of Yaya’s dedication to the work of making every voice heard. I wish her the best in this next chapter and look forward to seeing the positive impact she continues to make.”