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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – March 24, 2023 – The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) announced today the selection of Ron Moody, former DIA board member and chairman, as the 2023 recipient of the annual Dr. Lew Klechak Award.

The award, established in 1996, recognizes outstanding service to Downtown Jacksonville and honors individuals who have made significant contributions in advancing Downtown development.

Dr. Lew Klechak was first honored with this award in his name for his vision and devotion for over 15 years to the revitalization of Downtown while he was chairman of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Nominees for the award demonstrate commitment to making Downtown Jacksonville a vibrant community, and exhibit exemplary professionalism, creativity, resourcefulness and tangible results, while actively participating over a number of years in initiatives that increase the city’s revitalization efforts.

Moody, the chief executive officer of the Moody Williams Appraisal Group, has more than 50 years of experience appraising many types of real estate and solving complex appraisal problems. In addition to a busy trial calendar for eminent domain issues and complex real estate appraisals, Moody has served as president of the East Florida Chapter of the Appraisal Institute. As part of that organization, he has achieved the Member of Appraisal Institute (MAI) and Senior Residential Appraiser (SRA) designations. Moody served seven years on the DIA board, including one year as chairman beginning in 2020.

During his time as chairman, the DIA leveraged performance-based public incentives to attract $170 million in private capital investment within Downtown. Moody led the DIA during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, and through his leadership the organization remained a model for transparency and public accessibility.

“Ron Moody has been a true champion of Downtown redevelopment, both in his service with the DIA Board and as a longtime resident and business owner in Downtown,” said Lori Boyer, CEO of the Downtown Investment Authority. “With his first-hand experience and positive attitude about Downtown, he’s been an unwavering supporter of efforts to transform and revitalize Downtown Jacksonville. The DIA staff, collaborators and stakeholders we serve are proud to honor Ron by awarding him the annual Dr. Lew Klechak Award and recognizing his years of service to Downtown Jacksonville.”

“I am incredibility thankful for this award, but I think the true recognition should go to the entire Downtown Investment Authority organization, including the leadership, staff and dedicated board members,” Moody said. “History will look back and realize that the 10-year period from 2015 to 2025 was one of the most impactful times for the rediscovery of our beloved Downtown Jacksonville and the many benefits it has to offer.”

The award was presented to Moody by DIA Director of Downtown Real Estate and Development Steve Kelley, DBA, during the annual NAIOP Northeast Florida Annual Awards Gala on March 23. NAIOP Northeast Florida promotes the commercial real estate industry through advocacy, education, development and networking among members regionally and nationally.

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About the Downtown Investment Authority:
The Downtown Investment Authority is the Community Redevelopment Agency and the economic development arm of the city of Jacksonville. Guided by a nine-member board of directors, the DIA seeks to attract investment, facilitate job creation and increase residential density through capital investments, planning, marketing and public-private partnerships including the provision of incentives for the general community and Downtown stakeholders. For more information, visit https://dia.coj.net/ and https://investdtjax.com/.