Jody Lamar Finklea is General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer for Florida Municipal Power Agency, a position he has held since September 2017. In this role, Jody is one of two executives and Board appointed officers of FMPA, with overall responsibility for all FMPA legal affairs and NERC compliance obligations.
Jody joined FMPA in 2001 and has held several positions during his tenure. Previously, he served as Deputy General Counsel and Manager of Legal Affairs.
Jody has more than 21 years of experience in municipal utility law. As FMPA’s General Counsel, Jody also represents the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA), as FMEA's General and Regulatory Counsel. Most of FMPA’s members are also members of FMEA, so this partnership provides value to both organizations. Jody represents FMPA, FMEA, and all Florida public power utilities in civil litigation, administrative proceedings, legislative matters, and before local governing bodies statewide.
Jody holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., a master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Florida and a juris doctor degree from The Florida State University College of Law. He is admitted to The Florida Bar and is board certified as an expert in city, county and local government law.
Jody is active in the American Public Power Association (APPA) and served as the 2017 Chairman of the Legal Section. In 2011, Jody was recognized by APPA as a Rising Star in Public Power.