Groundwork Jacksonville Initiatives and Updates

Kay Ehas joined Groundwork Jacksonville as CEO in September 2017. Since then, she has been relentless in her pursuit of achieving Jacksonville’s 100-year old vision of an “Emerald Necklace” of trails, linear parks and restored creeks that encircle the urban core.

Under Kay’s leadership Groundwork Jacksonville became the City of Jacksonville’s nonprofit partner in designing the 30-mile Emerald Trail that will connect the city’s historic urban neighborhoods to downtown, schools, parks and the St. Johns River. Construction of the first segment – the LaVilla Link - will get under way this August or September.

Additionally, Kay led the development of the plan to restore McCoys Creek to a naturally meandering channel design that will improve flooding, water quality and habitat for fish and wildlife. In partnership with the City, construction of Phase 1 has begun. 

Kay has 15 years of experience in local government working with the City Council and a constitutional office, most recently as chief administrative officer for the Duval County Property Appraiser. She has more than 11 years of private-sector human resources experience including VP of Human Resources for a financial institution.

She is also known for her community advocacy on behalf of the Riverside Avondale neighborhood, serving on the Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) board from 2004 – 2015. During her three-year presidency RAP designed and implemented the Riverside Arts Market and planted more than 1000 trees along neighborhood streets among other major accomplishments.

Kay Ehas earned a master’s degree in Communication and graduated with distinction from the University of Florida. After earning her undergraduate degree in social welfare, Kay was a Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) where she worked with public housing tenant associations and a low-income senior citizens group.

To get in touch with Kay please email kay@groundworkjacksonville.org