Leadership and Governance
The Clay County Utility Authority (CCUA) is committed to operational excellence, responsible financial management, and the long-term sustainability of our water resources. This commitment is guided through a strong leadership structure that includes the Executive Director and the Board of Supervisors.
The Board of Supervisors serves as the Authority’s governing body, establishing policy, setting strategic direction, and providing fiscal oversight. Comprised of dedicated community leaders, the Board is focused on delivering reliable service and long-term value to more than 50,000 customers.
The day-to-day operations of CCUA are led by Executive Director Jeremy Johnston, P.E., along with a team of approximately 168 employees. Together, they manage a multi-million-dollar annual budget and oversee hundreds of millions of dollars in utility infrastructure assets. This team ensures the safe, reliable delivery of drinking water, wastewater treatment, and reclaimed water services throughout CCUA’s service area.
Board of Supervisors
The Clay County Utility Authority is guided by a seven-member Board of Supervisors made up of local residents and business professionals who live and/or work in Clay County and are CCUA utility customers.
Six members are appointed by the Clay County Board of County Commissioners, with one member appointed by the Governor of Florida.
Each Supervisor may serve up to two consecutive three-year terms.
The Board provides leadership and oversight by establishing policy, setting strategic priorities, and ensuring responsible financial management to support reliable utility service for our customers and community.
Michael “Chris” McNees
Chairman
Michael “Chris” McNees serves as Chairman of the Clay County Utility Authority Board of Supervisors and was appointed in October 2021 by the Clay County Board of County Commissioners. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Florida and works as a Project Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, within the Programs and Project Management Division, Water Resources Branch. Mr. McNees is active in civic leadership, including service as President-Elect (2021–2022) of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Orange Park. He previously served as Chairman of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Andrew Petty
Vice Chairman
Andrew Petty was appointed to the Clay County Utility Authority Board of Supervisors in October 2023 by the Clay County Board of County Commissioners and serves as Chairman of the Audit and Finance Committee. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Leadership and works as an insurance agent with Partridge Petty Insurance Agency. Mr. Petty is actively involved in the community and serves as Vice President and Committee Chair of the Clay County Ducks Unlimited Chapter.
Anna Lebesch, Ed.D.
Board Member
Dr. Anna Lebesch was appointed to the Clay County Utility Authority Board of Supervisors in May 2021 and serves on the Personnel Committee. She holds a Bachelor of Educational Studies and a Master of Education from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Doctor of Education from the University of Florida. Dr. Lebesch serves as Vice President for Workforce Strategy and Talent Development at JAXUSA Partnership and remains active on multiple education and economic development boards.
Michael Bourré
Board Member
Michael Bourré was appointed to the Clay County Utility Authority Board of Supervisors in October 2024 by the Clay County Board of County Commissioners and serves on the Audit and Finance Committee. He is President of Bourré Construction Group, LLC and a licensed General Contractor in Florida. Mr. Bourré served seven years in the United States Marine Corps and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. He currently serves as Chair of the Florida Building Commission and as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner for Clay County.
David McCall
Board Member
David McCall was appointed to the Clay County Utility Authority Board of Supervisors in October 2024 by the Clay County Board of County Commissioners and serves as Chairman of the Personnel Committee. He is a retired firefighter with service at Jacksonville Fire and Rescue and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. McCall holds an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science and has been a Clay County resident for more than 55 years.
Amber Taylor
Board Member
Amber Taylor was appointed to the Clay County Utility Authority Board of Supervisors in October 2023 by the Clay County Board of County Commissioners and serves on the Personnel Committee. She holds an Associate of Science degree in Radiology/Mammography and an Associate of Arts degree. Ms. Taylor is the Owner and Realtor of Herron Real Estate and is an active member of the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors.
Michael Hingst
Board Member
Michael Hingst was appointed to the Clay County Utility Authority Board of Supervisors in October 2023 by the Governor of Florida and serves on the Audit and Finance Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the United States Naval Academy and is a Senior Software Developer and Division Manager for Pioneering Evolution, LLC.
Executive Director
Residence and Business Services
Jeremy Johnston, P.E
Executive Director
Jeremy Johnston, P.E., has served as Executive Director of the Clay County Utility Authority since March 2020. He provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the utility, supporting the delivery of safe, reliable, and affordable water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services to approximately 50,000 customers across three counties. Mr. Johnston oversees a $52 million annual budget, more than $339 million in utility assets, and a team of 198 employees. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biological Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Florida.
Senior Leadership Team
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Darryl Muse – Chief Operations Officer
Darryl Muse brings more than 30 years of experience in the utility industry. He previously served as Executive Director for the City of Ocala and the City of Valdosta, Georgia. Prior to his utility career, Mr. Muse worked in the aerospace industry with Ford Aerospace and Loral Aerospace and Weapons Systems. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration.
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Karen Osborne, CPA – Chief Financial Officer
Karen Osborne serves as Chief Financial Officer for the Clay County Utility Authority and brings more than 20 years of experience in finance, tax, and business consulting. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Florida and is a Certified Public Accountant. She oversees Finance, Procurement, Inventory, and Customer Service and Billing.
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Darrell Damrow, P.E. – Chief Engineer
Darrell Damrow, P.E., serves as Chief Engineer for the Clay County Utility Authority, providing leadership over Engineering Services, Development Services, and Enterprise Systems and Analytics. He has more than 13 years of experience with CCUA and has held multiple roles within the Engineering Department, with work spanning master planning, capital project delivery, and residential and commercial development plan and permit review.Mr. Damrow holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of North Florida and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Florida. As Chief Engineer, he
oversees technical planning, design standards, and engineering review processes that support reliable utility infrastructure and long-term system growth. -
Kimberly Richardson – Chief Human Resources Officer
Kimberly Richardson serves as Chief Human Resources Officer for the Clay County Utility Authority and has been with the organization since 2006. She oversees organizational development, talent acquisition, succession planning, compensation strategy, employee engagement, and Risk & Safety programs.Ms. Richardson holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Florida International University. Her work supports CCUA’s mission by strengthening workforce effectiveness,
leadership continuity, and organizational resilience across the organization.
Communications & Public Relations
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Ashley Taliaferro – Communications and Public Relations Specialist
Ashley Taliaferro serves as the Communications and Public Relations Specialist for the Clay County Utility Authority. A lifelong Clay County resident, she has worked for CCUA for more than 10 years in a variety of roles, giving her a well-rounded understanding of both the organization and the community it serves. She leads internal and external communications, public outreach, and messaging initiatives, serves on the Retirement Committee, and leads CCUA’s Wellness Committee. Ms. Taliaferro is currently pursuing a degree in Political Science at Louisiana State University.
Authority Legal Counsel
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Grady Williams Jr., Esq.Authority Legal Counsel Grady Williams Jr., Esq., has served as Authority Legal Counsel to the Clay County Utility Authority since October 1994. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Florida. |
Board of Supervisors Regular Meetings
Meeting Time: Regular Meetings begin at 2:00 P.M.
All interested persons are invited to attend.
Special Accommodations (ADA)
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need a special accommodation to participate in a meeting, please contact the Clay County Utility Authority no later than 48 hours prior to the meeting or proceeding.
You may contact us via:
- Telephone: (904) 213-2464
- Mail: 3176 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, Florida 32068
- Online Form: https://lf.clayutility.org/Forms/ADA
Persons requiring auditory assistance may access the telephone number above by contacting the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8770 (Voice) or 1-800-955-8771 (TDD).
Meeting Record and Appeals
If any person intends to appeal a decision related to this action, they will be responsible for providing a court reporter at their own expense to create a transcript of the proceedings.
For further information regarding meetings, please call (904) 213-2464.
Accessing Public Meeting Documents
To ensure transparency and public access to our governance activities, the Clay County Utility Authority maintains a comprehensive online repository of all official public meeting documents.
We encourage you to utilize the search feature in the repository to find materials relevant to your interests. Documents are organized by meeting type, including:
- Audit/Finance Committee
- Emergency Meetings
- Joint Committee Meetings
- Personnel Committee
- Rate Hearings
- Regular Board Meetings
- Special Sessions
- Workshops