ECUA
ECUA Director Jason Yarborough Resigns After About 100 Days; Board Calls Bruce Woody Back
The utility board accepted the resignation 4-0, brought back its retired chief and then split over who should run the shop until he arrives.
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority board voted 4-0 on Friday, Oct. 16, to accept the resignation of Executive Director Jason Yarborough, about 100 days after he took the job. The board then voted 4-0 to name retired executive director Bruce Woody as acting director while it searches for a permanent replacement.
Yarborough, a Pensacola native who started July 6, tendered his resignation Wednesday to board attorney Phillip Pugh and Mr. Beasley, of the board’s law firm, Litvak Beasley. Pugh said the two sides negotiated a separation agreement that was circulated to board members before the special meeting. He called the terms “fair and reasonable to both sides” and recommended approval.
What the transcript does not say: Why Yarborough is leaving. What the separation agreement pays him. Whether he stays on the payroll for any period. No one discussed the terms before the vote. The PNJ has reported it’s over an unclear boiled water notice, but the ECUA minutes will not reflect Yarborough’s reason.
A Board in the Dark
The second motion drew the sharpest exchange. Board member Larry Williams, who represents District 3, first confirmed the meeting was being held under the Sunshine Law and broadcast to the public. Then he pressed the board on how the deal came together.
“Where was district three in all of this discussion?”
Williams said he did not know about the process until he was told a decision had been made. Board member Vicki Campbell, who represents District 1, said she did not know before the day of the meeting either. Chair Kevin Stephens said the board’s attorneys reached out to members that day. Campbell noted that the Sunshine Law bars board members from talking to one another outside a public meeting.
Williams said he was satisfied as long as all members get the information at the same time.
Woody Returns
Board member Lois Benson made the two-part motion. She said the board’s most important job is a thorough search for a long-term leader, “not crisis management.” She said Woody offers continuity and enjoys wide respect from employees, the community and the board.
- The vote: The motion passed 4-0 and directs the board’s attorney to negotiate Woody’s terms.
- Length of service: No end date was set. Benson said she suspects Woody “wants to get back to being a retiree.”
- Timing: Pugh said Woody is believed to be in Missouri and could need days or weeks to arrive.
Woody retired in the spring after six years leading ECUA. The utility announced his retirement May 29. Deputy Executive Director Don Palmer then served as interim until Yarborough arrived.
Reed or Palmer for the gap
Pugh warned that ECUA needs someone in the chair right away, even for something as basic as payroll. He asked the board to name an interim to cover the weeks before Woody can take over.
Campbell moved to hire Brian Reed. Benson seconded. Williams offered a substitute motion to name Palmer, who has filled in before. Benson seconded the substitute so it could be debated, then said she planned to vote against it.
- Stephens on Reed: He called Reed “a clear standout” in the last hiring process. He said the late board member Dale Perkins suggested Reed would be the choice if Yarborough declined the job. Stephens said he hopes Reed will apply for the permanent post.
- Benson on the optics: She worried that a Reed candidacy could look like an inside track, but said a week to 10 days in the interim role would not taint the pool.
- Williams on the same point: He said an interim Reed who later applies would carry “the appearance of a jump start” and said ECUA needs to be above board in this process.
- Campbell: She stood by her motion and said “no disrespect” to anyone at ECUA.
The transcript ends as Stephens called for the vote on the substitute motion. The substitute motion failed 1-3, with only Williams in favor of making Palmer the acting director. The board then voted 3-1 to give the job to Reed – Williams in opposition.
Still unanswered
- Why did Yarborough resign after about 100 days?
- What does the separation agreement cost ECUA customers?
- What will Woody be paid, and for how long will he serve?
- How will the board run the search, and will Reed be a candidate?
