After serving on an interim basis since mid-April, Helena Parola has been appointed director of the city of Jacksonville Planning and Development Department.

Parola replaces R. Brett James as the top administrator in the department. James resigned April 11 at the request of Mayor Donna Deegan’s office, and Parola was named interim director days later.

Parola, who has 26 years of experience as a planner for the city, was promoted to lead the Community Planning Division in July 2024.

After James' departure, Parola had been interim director of the Planning and Development Department and also served as chief of the Community Planning Division.

Melissa Ross, the director of strategic initiatives and press liaison in Deegan’s administration, confirmed June 4 that Parola had been elevated to

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