Nathaniel Ford, who is poised to take over as the CEO of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), is currently under investigation in Florida for his previous role as the head of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA). The inquiry, initiated by the Florida Attorney General, focuses on extravagant expenditures made during Ford’s tenure, coinciding with JTA’s significant budget shortfall.
The investigation scrutinizes spending practices that have come to light amidst the authority’s nearly $40 million deficit. Particular attention is being paid to luxury expenses, including lavish hotel accommodations and tuition reimbursements that were issued during Ford’s leadership at JTA.
Ford, who resigned from JTA earlier this year, is set to begin his new role at DART later this month. Meanwhile, the Florida Attorney General’s Office is examining questionable financial practices, including the reimbursement of educational expenses for high-salaried executives, which may contravene IRS regulations.
Subpoenas have been issued in connection with the investigation, which request all communications, including texts and emails, between Ford, his spouse, and consultant Kenston Griffin from October 2023 to March 2025. In addition to Ford, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan has also been named in the subpoenas.
Details of the extravagant spending have emerged from records disclosed by former JTA board member Megan Hayward. Noteworthy expenditures include over $4,000 for a hotel in London, $1,600 for accommodations in Madrid, and $9,000 for a stay in Valencia for two executives, totaling approximately $171,000 for hotel expenses over an 18-month period. Investigations into Ford’s travel expenses also revealed a nearly $10,000 trip to Spain.
Consequences of Financial Mismanagement
In light of the budget shortfall, JTA has been compelled to implement severe cost-cutting measures, including the elimination of 194 positions and the reduction of bus routes. These actions have raised concerns among local commuters and small business owners alike.
Hayward, who was appointed to the JTA board by the mayor but later removed due to her inquiries into spending practices, expressed her concerns about the implications of these cuts. “The people at the bottom of this transportation totem pole are paying for all of the money that was spent somewhere by the executive team,” she stated, emphasizing the detrimental impact on those who rely on public transportation.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Ford is preparing to assume his new position at DART at the end of this month. Attempts to reach Ford for comment regarding the investigation have been unsuccessful, and DART’s board chair has not addressed inquiries about the potential reconsideration of Ford’s hiring.
JTA has been given until October 20 to provide all requested documents related to the investigation, with Ford expected to begin his role at DART just a week later.
