JEA Names Paul McFadden As Its First Director Of Diversity, Equity And Inclusion

Jacksonville, Fla.-based public power utility JEA on Jan. 6 announced the hiring of Paul McFadden as its first director of diversity, equity and inclusion. McFadden assumed the role on Jan. 3, 2022.

“JEA created this role as a fundamental building block in growing diversity within the company and cultivating stronger connections with diverse groups in our community,” the utility said in a news release.

In his new role, McFadden will provide strategic direction in executing JEA’s vision of sustaining an inclusive, respectful, and diverse culture, JEA said.

McFadden has a breadth of experience at JEA in human resources, and most recently, he served as a human resources business partner for the utility. In that role, he served as a consultant to management on human resources-related issues and worked with JEA’s human resources department to find workable solutions.  

“JEA continues to build a culture that is firmly rooted in courtesy and respect,” said JEA’s Managing Director and CEO Jay Stowe in a statement. “We are committed to creating an atmosphere that is diverse, respectful and inclusive. This is a big step in our journey, and we’re happy to have Paul at the helm.” 

In an October 2021 episode of Public Power Now, Monique Earl, who leads the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Nancy Harvey, the New York Power Authority’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, highlighted diversity and equity initiatives underway at LADWP and NYPA.