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Day 1 - Opening Remarks, Jared Perdue
Jared W. Perdue, P.E. was appointed Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) by Governor Ron DeSantis in April 2022. A career public servant and transportation leader, Secretary Perdue brings over two decades of experience within FDOT, having risen through the ranks after beginning his journey in the Department’s Professional Engineer Training Program. His career has been defined by a deep commitment to public service and a passion for building a transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all Floridians.
As FDOT Secretary, Perdue oversees one of the most expansive and dynamic transportation networks in the nation. He leads more than 6,200 employees across seven regional districts and the Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, managing an annual budget of $15 billion and a five-year work program totaling nearly $70 billion. Secretary Perdue has championed a forward-thinking, transformative approach to transportation, emphasizing innovation, stronger infrastructure, and strategic investment. He is responsible for implementing Florida’s largest infrastructure initiative on record, Moving Florida Forward, which accelerated critical projects by 10 to 15 years.
His tenure has prioritized workforce development and cutting-edge research, leading to the creation of a Statewide Workforce Development Program, the Florida Transportation Academy, and the Florida Transportation Research Institute. As a strong advocate for emerging technologies, Secretary Perdue has advanced initiatives such as SunTrax Air and SunTrax Ground, a state-of-the-art, first of its kind, facility for testing autonomous and connected vehicles and Advanced Air Mobility.
Perdue also represents Florida on several influential boards, including Space Florida, the Intelligent Transportation Society of America, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Program.
