The Jacksonville Civic Council appointed Dennis Whittle its new CEO and president to lead the organization into the next chapter of its public policy and community work.
Whittle will become the third executive leader of the JCC and will start in the position in September.
He succeeds Jeanne Miller, who announced in December she was leaving the organization and would serve as interim CEO until a new chief executive was selected.
“Dennis is an excellent choice to lead the JCC now and into the future,” Eric Mann, chair of the JCC board, said Aug. 7 in a news release.
“He will be responsible for leading the JCC through implementation of the organization’s recently adopted strategic plan which will continue to strengthen and expand JCC’s impact in our community.”
A Jacksonville resident, Whittle has consulted for private companies, foundations and government agencies with more than 15 years of experience in public policy, economic development and leadership of public investment projects.
“The history of this organization along with its value to our community are what drew me to this role,” Whittle said in the release.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to put my skills to work in resolving the issues facing our city through problem solving and advocacy.”
The release said the Civic Council seeks to shape and define Jacksonville’s future as a premier national and international city with a thriving economy, vibrant civic, cultural and educational institutions and a high quality of life.
The JCC board of directors formed a search committee and contracted with Kittleman & Associates to launch a national search in March 2023.
It attracted more than 60 qualified candidates. After finalists were selected and interviewed, the search committee chose Whittle to lead the JCC. The board unanimously approved Whittle at its August board meeting.
The JCC’s search committee was led by Mann and included nonprofit and business leaders Henry Brown, Emily Dawkins, Marty Fiorentino, Fred Franklin, Kevin Hyde, Cindy Stover and Dave Sweeney. Miller participated in the finalist interviews.
Established in 2010, the Civic Council brings together chief executives from the nonprofit, business, education and health care sectors comprising more than 70 organizations.
Miller was appointed executive director in September 2013 replacing Don Shea, who resigned to take a job in Louisiana.
A nonpartisan group of prominent business leaders, the organization’s goal is to help resolve community issues by studying a problem, proposing solutions, advocating for change and providing resources and support.