Bill Garrison started a new role Nov. 10 with Jimerson Birr after leading the Northeast Florida Builders Association for more than three years.
Garrison is the law firm’s development executive. In that role, he supports business development, focusing on the construction, real estate development, sales and leasing and community association industries, a news release said.
Charles Jimerson, managing partner at Jimerson Birr, approached Garrison to fill the new position.
Garrison said he saw it as “a great opportunity to get back in the private sector.”
“They’re in a growth mode,” Garrison said Nov. 19. “I have a background in sales and in general business management. It’s just a need that he has here at the firm. So we had a few meetings and here I am.”
Jimerson Birr is a business litigation law firm focusing on areas including construction, real estate, banking, landlord/tenant, bankruptcy and corporate formation law.
He and Jimerson met through NEFBA, Garrison said.
“Bill Garrison is among the most well-respected and influential figures in the construction and development industry locally,” Jimerson said in a news release.
“He shares our value system and has a track record for forging the types of meaningful partnerships we aim to establish with every engagement.”
NEFBA President Nate Day said in an email to members that the organization formed a search committee and is “getting to work immediately to find our next leader.”
Homebuilder Greg Matovina, chair of the Ability Housing board and president of the professional accounting services firm Matovina & Co., is interim executive officer.
Garrison joined NEFBA in the 1990s as a member, then became executive officer in 2017. He plans to remain involved in the organization as a member.
“(NEFBA) has been a pivotal part of my career from my days back when I was a lumber salesman,” he said. “It provides a lot of opportunity for professional development, growing your personal and professional network and you make a lot of friends, too.”
Garrison is a U.S. Navy veteran and graduate of the U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School. After completing his military service, he worked in construction and spent 12 years in lumber sales.
In 2007, he was appointed chairman of the Clay County Builders Association.
Garrison served as president of the Clay County Economic Development Corp. from 2012-17.
He has been a Clay County resident since 1985. He is married with three children and four grandchildren.
“Working for Jimerson Birr in this capacity is an opportunity that perfectly leverages nearly every one of my professional experiences up until now,” Garrison said in the news release.
“I am whole-heartedly looking forward to continuing to work within the industries I have become so invested in through the years, representing a law firm that has earned my utmost respect.”