Authority Members

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The Tourism Development Authority Board of Directors is comprised of six members appointed by the Jacksonville City Council. It is required that at least one-third of the members be affiliated with collecting occupancy tax in the City (hoteliers) and one-half of the members be individuals who are currently active in the promotion of Travel and Tourism in the City. 

Members are tasked with utilizing the revenue produced by occupancy tax to promote travel and tourism in the City.

Randy Thomas, ChairmanRandy Thomas, Jacksonville Council Member

Mr. Thomas is a former member of the Jacksonville City Council and is a native of the City of Jacksonville. He was elected to the City Council in 2007 and to the Authority in 2017.



Jacksonville Tourism Development AuthorityKen Hagan, Vice Chairman

Mr. Hagan has been instrumental in the development of tourism in the City of Jacksonville for over 30 years. He continues to be involved in the growth of Jacksonville through service to different organizations. He was appointed to the Authority in 2010 and has served as the vice chair since that date.



Rick Young, Board Member


Chris Davis

Mr. Davis holds a seat dedicated to those who are affiliated with tax collecting facilities and has been active in the promotion of Jacksonville as a travel destination. He was first appointed in 2018.


Bob WardenBob Warden, City Councilmember

Bob Warden is a member of the Jacksonville City Council and was elected to the Authority in 2021.




2020-10-Brian Jackson, Councilmember

Brian H Jackson

Brian H Jackson is a member of the Jacksonville City Council and was elected to the Authority in 2023. 





Rick YoungChris Davis, Board Member

Mr. Young holds a seat mandated to be filled by someone who is affiliated with a tax-collecting facility. He was reappointed to the Authority in 2019 and is active in the promotion of tourism in the Jacksonville community.



Emeritus Member

Bill Hemmingway

Mr. Hemmingway served as the finance director, tax collector, and clerk for the City of Jacksonville. He was a fixture for the Fleet Reserve Association and as such was active in the promotion of Jacksonville as a tourism destination. He was an original member of the Tourism Authority in 2010 and served until 2017 at which time the City Council approved the creation of an Emeritus Member status and awarded it to Mr. Hemmingway. He passed December 26, 2018.