One appointment to the Downtown Development Review Board moved forward after receiving approval from a City Council committee May 18, while a second nomination is stalled as the mayor’s office works through an administrative process.
The Council Rules Committee voted 5-0, with members Terrance Freeman and Randy White away from the dais, to approve the nomination of Ivan Mote, a registered nurse at Riverside Endoscopy Center.
The committee also voted 5-0, with members Ken Amaro and Freeman away from the dais, to withdraw the nomination of Ivy Henderson, director of Housing and Real Estate Development for LIFT JAX.
Henderson is not out of the running for a spot on DDRB. A spokesperson for the city said Henderson would be renominated at the May 26 Council meeting, with the city attaching a waiver to allow Henderson on the board as a landscape architect. While Henderson is not presently licensed as a landscape architect, she holds a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Florida.
Mote, appointed through Resolution 2026-0342, would replace VyStar Credit Union lobbyist Matt Brockelman, also for a partial term set to expire in June 2026 followed by a two-year term. Mote is identified in the city legislation as a property owner representative.
Mote’s resume identifies him as a visiting professor at the Chamberlain University School of Nursing in addition to his role as a post-anesthesia nurse at Riverside Endoscopy Center at 2151 Riverside Ave., Suite 1.
His previous positions include assistant professor of nursing at Jacksonville University, chief safety officer for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and division chief in the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
Henderson would have replaced DDRB member Joseph Loretta for a partial term to expire June 30, 2026, followed by a full, two-year term. Loretta is the deputy practice leader for planning and landscape architecture for Halff Inc.
Deegan made her appointment through Resolution 2026-0339.
The DDRB, whose roles include serving as a planning commission for Downtown, comprises nine voting members.
Under the board’s bylaws, members must include two architects; one landscape architect; a contractor, developer or Realtor who performs work within Downtown; three Downtown property owners, owners of businesses or full-time employees of a business or professional office in Downtown; and two urban planners.
Henderson’s full name is Gayandrial Ivy Henderson, as shown on her resume.
The mayor’s office is responsible for making all appointments to the board.
Brockelman and Loretta have served more than one term. Brockelman is a former board chair.
Mote’s appointment and Henderson’s withdrawal are scheduled for final votes by Council on May 26.