The Jacksonville Planning Commission chose new leaders during its Jan. 22 meeting, a midyear process completed after former Chair Charles Garrison left for a professional opportunity in New York City.
Moné Holder will serve as chair, Michael McGowan as vice chair and Lamonte Carter as secretary. The leaders were chosen in a vote by commissioners. Their terms will expire in Octobder.
Holder, who has served on the commission since 2023, is chief advocacy and political officer at Florida Rising, a voting advocacy organization that works to expand political power and advance economic and racial justice in minority communities.
As vice chair in 2025, she was expected to succeed Garrison as chair.
“I was appointed to the Planning Commission by Mayor Donna Deegan, the first female Mayor in our City’s history, so it is not lost on me, the historical significance of being a Black woman serving as Chairwoman of the Planning Commission,” Holder said in an email after Garrison’s resignation in December 2025.
“I look forward to building upon his (Garrison’s) legacy and vision, while continuing to lead with intention and purpose alongside my fellow Commissioners.”
Holder serves District 5, which encompasses West Central Jacksonville.
McGowan was appointed to the commission and 2023 and served as chair in 2024-25.
He is a real estate agent and a vice president at Chase Properties. McGowan represents Planning District 3, which encompasses Jacksonville’s Southside eest of the St. Johns River.
Carter is the managing partner at The Carter Firm PLLC. Carter was appointed to the commission in 2023. He represents Planning District 6, which encompasses Jacksonville’s Northside.