JWB restarts CEO search, taps Boggess as interim leader

The Juvenile Welfare Board is restarting its search for a permanent CEO after months of internal deadlock and scrutiny surrounding the organization’s previous finalists.

During their May 21 meeting, the board voted to relaunch the process through an executive search firm while appointing longtime JWB executive Karen Boggess as interim CEO to maintain continuity during the transition.

Boggess currently serves as JWB’s chief operating officer and has spent more than two decades with the organization, helping oversee operations for one of Pinellas County’s largest child welfare agencies. JWB oversees a more than $132 million impact budget and funds programs serving nearly 80,000 children and families annually across the county.

Much of Boggess’ work has centered on early childhood development and systems coordination. According to JWB, she played a major role in developing the organization’s Quality Early Learning Initiative, an effort aimed at expanding access to high quality preschool and childcare opportunities in underserved communities.

Her background also includes work coordinating partnerships between schools, nonprofits, healthcare providers and local governments, areas that define JWB’s prevention-focused model.

“Karen Boggess brings extensive experience, deep institutional knowledge, and longstanding community relationships that will provide steady leadership during this transition,” JWB Board Chair Jim Millican said in a statement.

The appointment signals a pivot toward institutional stability after a turbulent CEO search process earlier this year.

The board had previously deadlocked in a 5 to 5 split between interim CEO Michael Mikurak and fellow finalist Glen Gilzean Jr., the former Orange County Supervisor of Elections. That process became mired in controversy after allegations surfaced involving both candidates.

Former JWB Chief Financial Officer Robbi Stivers accused Mikurak of retaliation and misuse of public funds, allegations Mikurak denied in a prior interview with the Catalyst. Gilzean, meanwhile, faced scrutiny tied to nearly $9.9 million in spending during his tenure in Orange County, though he also denied wrongdoing.

The board ultimately paused the process amid ongoing reviews and failed to reach consensus on a permanent appointment. Now, the organization appears to be resetting the process entirely.

Mikurak, who previously served on JWB’s governing board before becoming interim CEO, confirmed in an interview with the Catalyst that he does not intend to compete for the permanent position moving forward.

Instead, he voiced support for Boggess’ appointment: “Karen is an excellent choice as Interim CEO,” Mikurak said. “Her 21 years of experience along with her current role of COO of the JWB makes her a great choice.”

Mikurak added that he plans to continue supporting the organization during the transition period before his contract concludes June 1.

“I currently work close on a daily basis with Karen and will continue to provide support and guidance while I am still the Interim CEO,” he said.

The CEO role carries significant influence locally, overseeing funding streams tied to early learning, mental health, family stabilization and youth prevention initiatives throughout Pinellas County.

By appointing a longtime internal administrator while reopening the search externally, the board appears to be prioritizing continuity after months of uncertainty surrounding the agency’s leadership future.