Kara Wade Tucker
Kara Tucker is a dedicated public servant, disability advocate, and strategic leader with over 15 years of experience championing accessibility, inclusion, and community empowerment. As the Chief of Disabled Services for the City of Jacksonville, she oversees innovative programs designed to remove barriers for individuals with disabilities while ensuring compliance with ADA standards across municipal operations. Her work emphasizes creating inclusive environments that enable all community members to participate fully in civic and public life.
Throughout her career, Kara has been committed to service at multiple levels of government and community engagement. She served as Vice Mayor of Neptune Beach, led statewide councils focused on education and vocational rehabilitation, and held leadership roles in municipal and nonprofit organizations. She excels at connecting policy, strategy, and community needs, always seeking collaborative and solutions-driven approaches to challenges.
Kara’s expertise extends beyond administration into advocacy and mentorship. She has been instrumental in shaping programs that support individuals with disabilities, advising local and state policymakers, and fostering networks that enhance community access and inclusion. Outside of her city leadership, she has served as President of the Beaches Council for Disabled Persons, contributed to the Florida Rehabilitation Council, and actively participates in initiatives that empower people with disabilities to achieve their full potential.
• Prompt Engineering: How to Talk to the AIs
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
• Rehabilitation Leadership and Management
• ADA
• University of North Florida
• Auburn University
• 2009 UNF Young Alumni Achievement Award
• 2011 Mary Theil Award
• Florida Department of Education State Advisory Panel Exceptional Student Education K-12
• Florida Rehabilitation Council
• Leadership Jacksonville, Inc.
• President at Beaches Council For Disabled Persons Inc
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my upbringing, which instilled in me the values of service, perseverance, and community. Those lessons inspire me to give back by supporting others and making a meaningful impact through my work.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this field to stay true to themselves, remain determined, and persevere through challenges. Equally important is to be an advocate—not just for yourself, but for others who may need support or guidance along the way.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life center around connection and engagement. I prioritize being involved in my community, whether attending local events, enjoying basketball games, or experiencing dinner theatre. I also value spending quality time with friends and family, fostering relationships that bring balance, support, and joy to my life.