(PENSACOLA, Fla.) — OpGov.News previously reported on the abrupt resignation of Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) Executive Director Jason Yarborough. At the time, questions remained about the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Photo Credit: Facebook/ Notice precautionary boil water was lifter after Hurricane Isaias
Some of those questions were addressed during an ECUA board meeting Oct. 20, 2026.
ECUA's board formally accepted Yarborough's resignation on Oct. 16. Former Executive Director Bruce Woody returned from retirement to serve as acting executive director while the organization searches for a permanent replacement.
Board Chair Addresses Resignation
ECUA District 2 board Chair Lois Benson read a statement regarding Yarborough's resignation.
“During the last months and during the hurricane and its aftermath, it became increasingly apparent that Mr. Yarborough was not a good fit for the ECUA. Hurricane Isaias was a high-pressure situation, but our region experiences hurricanes. It’s part of the job to navigate all of those issues under that pressure.”
Photo Credit: ECUA Board Meeting, October 20, 2026/Lois Benson Reads Statement Regarding Jason Yarborough’s resignation.
Confusion Over Boil-Water Advisory
Benson went into further detail about the public communications issued during the hurricane recovery.
“A very poorly written press release was issued under ECUA letter head. It seemed to imply that the boil water advisory had been lifted for the ECUA water customers except for those in certain locations, that was not the case.”
Benson continued:
“The post was removed from the ECUA Facebook page several hours later but only after it was shared by another outlet.”
As previously reported by OpGov.News, several addresses were listed as remaining under the advisory. This caused some residents to believe the precautionary boil-water notice had been lifted for everyone except those at the listed addresses.
The original systemwide notice remained in effect at that time. ECUA subsequently clarified the status of the advisory.
Photo Credit: ECUA Website/ The two messages that caused confusion with residents
The communication problems occurred shortly before Yarborough's departure. Benson's remarks linked concerns about his suitability for the position to the organization's response during the hurricane.
Following Yarborough's resignation, former ECUA Executive Director Bruce Woody came out of retirement to assume the role of acting executive director.
Severance Agreement Addressed
Benson also discussed the terms of Yarborough's severance agreement, including a mutual non-disparagement clause.
“Part of the terms of the severance agreement is a mutual non-disparagement clause, so I need to be very cautious not to violate that.”
She continued:
“Questions have been raised about the severance agreement. That was negotiated by our attorneys, who are quite good at what they do and always look out for the best interests of ECUA and our customers. I am confident that they did that. They did not negotiate in a vacuum. They did so in the context of his existing employment agreement signed by both parties when he was hired. He was not awarded the full severance contemplated in the employment package.”
Board Wishes Yarborough Well
Benson concluded her statement by expressing goodwill toward the former executive director.
“I’m comfortable speaking for all of us that we wish Jason well. He is a man of many talents.”
Yarborough had been selected for the position on June 24, 2026, and began serving as executive director in July. His resignation came less than four months after his appointment.
ECUA is now seeking a permanent executive director while Woody oversees the organization's operations.
At the time of this report, no public statement from Yarborough addressing the circumstances of his departure had been identified.
To submit corrections or additional information about this report, contact james.b@lead4earth.org or leave a comment below.
0
0
Comments