Cuppa Jax - Doug Conkey, Governmental Affairs | St. Johns River Water Mgt

Cost $15 -- Breakfast provided by Fresh Fork

Wednesday, April 29

8 a.m.- 9 a.m.

Riverplace Tower Skyline Room

Doug Conkey is a dedicated public servant, community leader, and veteran aviator with over four decades of diverse leadership experience spanning military operations, civic governance, and regional advocacy.

A graduate of the United States Naval Academy (Class of '84, graduating with Merit), Doug spent 21 years as a Navy Pilot. His distinguished military career included roles as a student, flight instructor, and fleet pilot, logging extensive flight hours in high-performance aircraft including the F/A-18 Hornet and A-7E Corsair. Following his military service, he continued his aviation career in commercial aviation, flying the Embraer 145 and Airbus 320 for regional and major carriers.

Deeply invested in the growth and sustainability of Northeast Florida, Doug served two terms as a Clay County Commissioner (District 2) from 2006 to 2014, earning advanced certifications through the Florida Association of Counties. His local leadership extended into economic development and community wellness, serving as President of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce and later as the Executive Director for the First Coast YMCA in Clay County.

Currently, Doug serves as the Intergovernmental Coordinator for the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). In this role, he acts as a vital bridge between regional water management initiatives and local governments across Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, and Bradford counties.

Beyond his professional roles, Doug is heavily involved in regional mentorship and civic organizations. He serves as a Blue and Gold Officer for the USNA, mentoring the next generation of naval leaders, and is actively engaged with the Orange Park Sunrise Rotary, the Northeast Florida Regional Council, and the Cecil Airport Advisory Committee.

Directions:

We meet at Riverplace Tower, also known as the Ameris Bank building. This is a walkable location along the Southbank Riverwalk and also convenient to the First Coast Flyer and the Skyway Riverplace Station.

There is limited free street parking, and paid parking is also available in a neighboring surface lot and garage.

Entering from the Riverwalk: take the stairs or elevator next to Village Bread Company up to the Skyline Room.

Entering from Riverplace Blvd: take the escalators and walk toward the back of the building, behind the Ameris Bank offices.

Entering from the garage: make a right at the first bank of elevators and another right into the hallway between the Ameris Bank offices.

Entering from the driveway between Riverplace Tower and the Doubletree: Walk down the hallway to the left, and make another left toward the restaurant. Take the elevator or stairs near the restaurant to the meeting space.

About Cuppa Jax:

Cuppa Jax holds gatherings for neighborhood and community leaders that are open to everyone in Jacksonville. Join us on Wednesday mornings in the Skyline Room in the Riverplace Tower on the Southbank to discuss important issues facing our city.

Scheduled speakers will talk for 10-15 minutes. The rest of the time is spent with Q&A and discussion of relevant issues brought up by participants. We also encourage attendees to make community announcements at the beginning of the program.

Some Important Things to Note:

No membership fee. Unlike many other discussion forums in Jacksonville, there is no membership fee to attend or participate in Cuppa Jax. We do ask attendees to cover the cost of coffee and breakfast provided by the restaurant in the building, which gives us access to the space. If you cannot attend due to the cost of the event, please email [email protected] and we will be glad to cover your ticket.

Topical and timely. We are seeking local thought leaders who can discuss and educate about important community issues to speak at future dates. We don’t accept offers to speak about or pitch organizations. Cuppa Jax is non-partisan, and does not endorse candidates or issues. An offer to speak does not constitute an endorsement. It is simply an opportunity for the community to have a meaningful discussion.

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