JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Housing Authority (JHA) board voted unanimously on Tuesday to terminate CEO Cheron Corbett, ending her tenure immediately following a scandal-ridden week centered on controversial compensation proposals and internal governance concerns.
The decision to fire Corbett “without cause” came during a tense special meeting. Under the terms of her contract, Corbett is eligible to receive 22 weeks of salary, a payout exceeding $100,000. According to officials, Corbett was offered the opportunity to resign voluntarily over the weekend but ultimately declined, forcing the board to take formal action.
The move followed a firestorm ignited last week when it was revealed that Corbett had proposed a 12% share of developer fees for herself and senior leadership on new housing projects. Given the scale of JHA’s current initiatives, that commission could have resulted in a $1 million payout for the CEO, who already earns an annual salary of $300,000.
Board Chairman Daniel Blanchard did not mince words during Tuesday’s proceedings, leveling a series of sharp criticisms at Corbett’s leadership style and the state of the agency.
“My issues, I think, are within the organization. I think there are operational issues, cultural issues, financial issues,” Blanchard said. “The books are a mess. The million-dollar bonus concept, I think, was horrific. And then, last but not least, the forced resignation of Commissioner Brock in return for a financial settlement and a roof over her head — that was terrible.”
Other board members expressed a total breakdown in communication and trust, with one noting that they no longer believed they were receiving “honest, complete” answers from leadership. Another board member added that they simply could not see a viable “path forward” under Corbett’s direction.
City Councilman Michael Boylan, who serves as the liaison to the JHA, acknowledged that Corbett had achieved some successes during her time at the authority. However, he echoed the concerns of many, describing her recent compensation proposal as inappropriate and damaging to the agency’s public image.
“Where is your priority?” Boylan questioned. “Your priority’s going out there and getting development deals done so you get your compensation, or is your priority focusing on the day-to-day work of the JHA?”
While a small group of supporters voiced their opposition to the firing, arguing that the sudden removal could create instability, the board moved forward with appointing Roslyn Phillips as acting CEO. An HR committee has been tasked with managing the leadership transition and reviewing the details of Corbett’s departure, including a disputed $30,000 bonus her attorney raised during the meeting.
In a statement following the vote, the Mayor’s office signaled its support for the board’s decision, framing it as an exercise of necessary financial oversight to protect taxpayers and tenants.
The investigation into the agency’s financial health is ongoing.
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