As Jacksonville’s urban core continues to evolve, so does the leadership guiding its business community. The Downtown Council of the JAX Chamber, one of the most active and engaged councils, enters 2026 under a passionate group of volunteer leaders committed to fostering connection, collaboration, and economic momentum across Downtown Jacksonville.
LEADERSHIP THAT REFLECTS DOWNTOWN’S ENERGY
The Downtown Council’s Board of Directors is made up of seasoned professionals and community-minded business leaders representing a diverse range of industries and expertise.
Together, they play a strategic role in shaping council programming, advocating for downtown initiatives, and creating opportunities for business professionals to connect and thrive.
Key leadership roles and board members include:
Including dedicated board members:
Jim Webb — Manifest Distilling
Doug Smith — Cross Regions Group
Will Shepard — Shepard & Shepard Wealth Management Team of Raymond James
James Lampke — Robert Half
Molly McDaniel — Mad Men Marketing
Clive Ricketts — Brand Love.
This collective brings real-world business acumen and a shared vision for a vibrant, connected downtown. Their leadership helps ensure the DTC remains a trusted forum for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and progress within Jacksonville’s urban core.
A PLATFORM FOR CONNECTION AND GROWTH
The Downtown Council serves as a hub for professionals, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and business owners who want to be engaged in the conversations shaping the future of downtown.
Through consistent programming and social engagement, the council offers a welcoming environment to build relationships, exchange ideas, and stay informed on issues impacting downtown business and development.
• Downtown Council Breakfast: On the first Friday of each month, members gather at Downtown Vision Inc. for a morning of networking, and informative presentations from influential speakers. These sessions provide timely insights on downtown development, economic trends, and civic initiatives while allowing members to grow their professional networks.
• Happy Hours and Social Events: On the third Friday of each month, the council hosts a relaxed, come-as-you-are social hour at rotating downtown venues. These casual gatherings create space for authentic connection, collaboration, and conversation among like-minded business leaders who share a passion for Jacksonville’s growth.
Whether you’re new to Jacksonville or a longtime resident, these gatherings make it easy to plug into the downtown business community.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
In today’s competitive business environment, relationships and local insight matter more than ever. Participation in the Downtown Council offers access to decision-makers, thought leaders, and peers who are invested in the success of downtown Jacksonville.
Members gain visibility, perspective, and the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that shape the city’s economic future.
The Downtown Council is more than a meeting. It is a community driven by purpose, pride, and progress.
To learn more about the DTC, register at attend upcoming meetings, and opportunities to get involved, visit dtcjax.com and join a network of professionals dedicated to growing Downtown Jacksonville together.
#TheCoolestCouncil
