Kay Ehas
Chief Executive Officer
Kay Ehas is the Chief Executive Officer of Groundwork Jacksonville, the nonprofit partner of the City of Jacksonville dedicated to connecting communities, restoring nature and strengthening urban core neighborhoods.
Since joining Groundwork Jacksonville in 2017, Kay has been a driving force behind the 30-mile Emerald Trail and the restoration of McCoys Creek and Hogans Creek. Since Groundwork Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail Master Plan was developed and adopted by the Jacksonville City Council in 2019, more than half of the trail has been completed, is in design or is under construction.
Under her leadership, Groundwork Jacksonville has been recognized locally and across the Groundwork USA network for its best practices in environmental equity and community engagement through the creation of innovative programs to prevent displacement and provide social and economic opportunities within Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail neighborhoods.
Kay’s dedication to urban revitalization and environmental restoration has earned her widespread recognition. Rails to Trails Conservancy named Kay the 2025 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion for modeling a community-driven approach anchored in public-private partnership to develop the Emerald Trail. Also in 2025, Kay was recognized as one of the Jacksonville Daily Record’s inaugural Trailblazer Award winners. She was honored by the Jacksonville Business Journal as a “Woman of Influence” in 2024, as well as “Downtowner of the Year” by Downtown Vision in 2023. Additionally, she was a Florida Times-Union Eve Award finalist in 2021.
Kay brings a wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors. She spent 15 years in local government, including serving as Chief Administrative Officer for the Duval County Property Appraiser, and more than 11 years in private-sector human resources.
Her commitment to community development extends beyond her professional roles. From 2004 to 2015, Kay served on the Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) board, three years of which she served as Board President. During her tenure, RAP launched the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) and spearheaded planting over 1,000 trees along neighborhood streets.
Kay began her journey in Jacksonville as a Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA), working with public housing tenant associations and low-income senior citizen groups. She holds a Master of Communication degree, graduating with distinction from the University of Florida, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.
To contact Kay please email kay@groundworkjacksonville.org
Gloria McNair
Chief Community Officer
Gloria McNair joined GWJax in 2018 and leads the organization's community outreach efforts. Gloria is responsible for engaging citizens in visioning and advocating for their community, helping to ensure residents have input in shaping GWJax projects including McCoys Creek, Hogans Creek and the Emerald Trail.
One of Gloria's major areas of focus is to help long-time residents stay in their homes and benefit from the prosperity the Emerald Trail will create.
Gloria’s professional career has been diverse, yet at the core of her work has been a dedication to service.  She joined the U.S. Navy and served 22 years of active service, first as a Hospital Corpsman and then as an Environmental Health Officer. After retiring in Jacksonville, she used her skills as an educator and preventive health advocate with the Florida Department of Health in Duval to support initiatives including Groundwork Jacksonville.
Gloria has a MA in Human Resource Development from Webster University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Excelsior and an Associates of Science degree in Environmental Health from Merritt College. Originally from South Carolina, Gloria now proudly claims Jacksonville as home for her and her husband and two daughters.
To get in touch with Gloria please email gloria@groundworkjacksonville.org
Janet Reagor
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officer Janet Reagor directs day-to-day operations including human resources, facilities and operational policies and procedures that support the growth of Groundwork Jacksonville. Janet is also responsible for the effective development and execution of programs that reflect Groundwork’s mission, values and commitment to the community.
Janet is a dedicated professional with a wealth of experience in nonprofit management, fund development and administration. She has held leadership positions with LSF Health Systems, Community Hospice & Palliative Care, Sanctuary on 8th Street and Dignity U Wear.
Her educational background complements her extensive professional experience, enabling her to excel in demanding and multifaceted roles. Janet holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Florida and a Bachelor of General Studies in Business Management & Marketing from Jacksonville University.
Janet is committed to volunteerism and community service. She is active in the Rotary Club of San Marco, the Garden Club of Jacksonville, the Women's Board of Wolfson Children's Hospital, the Junior League of Jacksonville, and Walk-Off Charities. Janet is a Leadership Jacksonville alumnus.
To get in touch with Janet, please email Janet@groundworkjacksonville.org
Joni Alexandre
Program Manager
Joni Alexandre is Groundwork Jacksonville’s Program Manager responsible for establishing and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders. As part of Groundwork’s community engagement team, Joni works to ensure residents and business owners stay informed about —and have a voice in—Groundwork initiatives including the Emerald Trail and creek restoration projects. She is responsible for managing Groundwork's inter-generational CREST program as well as Groundwork's role as a lead agency in Project One Health, a strategic initiative that aims to increase the time youth spend outdoors and away from screens.
Joni brings a strong background in relationship-building through her experience in operations and account management in the financial services sector.
Joni holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of North Florida. She volunteers as the secretary of the Robinson’s Addition Neighborhood Association, one of the communities along the planned Emerald Trail. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and cooking and considers herself to be a bit of a “foodie.”
To get in touch with Joni, please email Joni@groundworkjacksonville.org
Nancy Debs, P.E. PMP
Emerald Trail Project Manager
As Emerald Trail Project Manager, Nancy Debs, P.E., PMP oversees design, collaborates with the project’s design engineering firms, and works alongside the City of Jacksonville public works and parks departments as well as the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.
A professional engineer with more than 40 years of experience, Nancy brings deep expertise in transportation and public infrastructure, including roadway, stormwater, drainage, site/civil and utility projects. Most recently, she served as Senior Project Manager at LJA Engineering in Jacksonville, supporting the firm’s transportation and public infrastructure growth in Florida, coordinating business development pursuits and staffing, and providing QA/QC for highway projects and grant application support for utility initiatives.
Nancy holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida and an M.B.A. in Project Management from Florida Institute of Technology. She is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Florida, Georgia and New York, and holds Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, FDOT Advanced Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) certification, and OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety certification.
To connect with Nancy, please email nancyd@groundworkjacksonville.
April Jordan
Development & Communications Coordinator
April Jordan is Groundwork Jacksonville’s Development & Communications Coordinator assisting with donor stewardship and amplifying Groundwork's message in the community.
April was born and raised in Jacksonville, Fla. Driven by her passion for helping others, she graduated from the University of North Florida with a bachelor’s degree in health science, and a minor in health education. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, April has developed expertise in community engagement, program management, evaluation, fundraising, and content development. Outside of work, she enjoys capturing candid moments through photography, traveling, and exploring the local food scene.
To get in touch with April, please email April@groundworkjacksonville.org
Michael Harris
Project One Health Coordinator
Michael Harris serves as Project One Health Coordinator, where he will introduce learning modules about topics like water quality, native birds, tree planting, pollinators, the role of insects, gardening, wildlife safety, team building, healthy eating and mind-body exercises to the youth of Brentwood.
Originally from Ypsilanti, MI., Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training from the University of Alabama. He also obtained his Master of Arts degree in management and leadership from Liberty University.
Prior to joining Groundwork Jacksonville, Michael served as the physical education/health teacher for public and private schools in Jacksonville where he also coached several youth sports, including basketball, flag football, volleyball, soccer, as well as track and field.
In his free time, Michael enjoys exploring the city and playing in several basketball leagues. To get in touch with Michael, please email michael@groundworkjacksonville.org.