Downtown Investment Authority

The City of Jacksonville’s Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) today announced the appointment of George Saoud to its Board of Directors.

Saoud, a Florida licensed attorney, real estate entrepreneur and small-business owner, was appointed by Mayor Curry to replace Todd Froats, and will serve a first full term to expire June 30, 2026.

For 13 years, Saoud has provided in-house legal counsel for Fidelity National Financial (FNF), and currently serves in the role of state underwriting counsel and vice president. Saoud also is the owner and manager of The George Management Company, an entity created to hold and manage a real estate portfolio consisting of commercial rental property and various residential rental properties throughout Jacksonville.

He is also the creator of The Lark, an upscale urban loft that displays and promotes fine art by local and
regional artists. The Lark hosts a variety of public and private events that attract hundreds of people to
Downtown from across Jacksonville. Prior to his entrepreneurial ventures and employment with FNF,
Saoud was in private practice for five years where he litigated a range of legal disputes in both state and
federal courts.

"As a Jacksonville native, Downtown has always held a special place in my heart. From childhood
memories exploring with my father to now as a new father, I'm excited to play a role in shaping its future.

The momentum building in Downtown over the past few years is truly inspiring, and I'm honored to
contribute to that progress through my appointment to the Downtown Investment Authority,” Saoud
said. “I look forward to working with fellow community members to create a vibrant and thriving
Downtown for generations to come."

The DIA is governed by nine board members who serve as leaders in their respective fields, including real estate, finance and Downtown business ownership. Out of the nine board positions, five are appointed by the Jacksonville mayor and four by the City Council president, who are all then confirmed by the Jacksonville City Council. Members of the board guide the DIA’s projects and initiatives on an unpaid, volunteer basis.

“On behalf of the DIA Board, staff, collaborators and the constituents we serve, I am honored to welcome George as the newest member of our Board of Directors,” said Carol Worsham, Board Chair of the Downtown Investment Authority. “George brings a unique combination of real estate, legal, financial and Downtown business ownership expertise to the board. We welcome his talent, perspective, time, and most importantly, eagerness to serve Jacksonville.”

To learn more about the DIA’s board and its members, visit dia.coj.net/about/DIA-Board-of-Directors.
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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 for Downtown 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/.