JWB Governing Board Relaunches CEO Search, Names COO Karen Boggess Interim Leader

The 11-member Governing Board for the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) voted today to relaunch its search for the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer through an executive search firm.

Interim CEO Michael Mikurak’s contract will conclude on June 1, 2026. To ensure continuity of leadership and operations, the Board appointed Chief Operating Officer Karen Boggess to serve as Interim CEO while the search process moves forward.

The Board also directed JWB staff to present options for executive search firms at the next Governing Board meeting in June, with the goal of launching a comprehensive recruitment effort to identify the organization’s next permanent leader.

“The Board is committed to conducting a thoughtful and thorough search process while ensuring continuity for the organization, our partners, and the children and families we serve,” said Lealman Fire Division Chief Jim Millican, JWB Board Chair. “Karen Boggess brings extensive experience, deep institutional knowledge, and longstanding community relationships that will provide steady leadership during this transition.”

The Board also expressed appreciation for Mikurak’s leadership and service to the organization over the past decade, including his time serving as Interim CEO during a period of transition.

Boggess has served as JWB’s Chief Operating Officer, overseeing funded programs and services, strategic initiatives, community engagement, and collaborative partnerships across Pinellas County. She leads oversight of programmatic investments connected to JWB’s annual budget and strategic priorities while working closely with funded agencies and community stakeholders to strengthen outcomes for children and families.

A respected leader with more than 25 years of experience in human services — including 20 years with JWB — Boggess has played a key role in advancing initiatives focused on early learning, community partnerships, and systems improvement. Most notably, she championed efforts to develop JWB’s Quality Early Learning Initiative, expanding access to high-quality early education opportunities in underserved communities.

“JWB’s mission and the children and families we serve remain the priority,” said Boggess. “I am honored to support the organization during this transition and continue working alongside our staff, community partners, and Governing Board to strengthen outcomes for Pinellas County.”

The Juvenile Welfare Board oversees an annual impact budget of more than $128 million and invests in 51 community partner organizations providing services to more than 83,000 children and families across Pinellas County each year. Programs funded by JWB support early childhood development, school readiness, academic success, prevention of child abuse and neglect, and broader family and community well-being.

“I live in this community. I’m a parent. I’m a taxpayer. I love the work that we get to do here,” Boggess added. “The staff has been through so much, and I am honored to help provide stability for this organization while we continue delivering on our mission for children and families.”

Additional details regarding the executive search process and timeline will be announced following the June Governing Board meeting.