LYNX CEO Jim Harrison Passes Away

James E. (Jim) Harrison, 63, the chief executive officer (CEO) with the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) has passed away unexpectedly this morning.

Harrison was named LYNX CEO in April 2019.  He formerly served as an assistant county administrator during a 30-plus year career with Orange County where he was responsible for professional and technical staff in public works and the office of regional mobility, and as a senior policy advisor on regional transportation issues for the county.

Known as a straight shooter and strong advocate for public transportation, Harrison was lauded as “one of the good guys” by Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, who serves as chairman of the LYNX Board of Directors. “His personality was endearing, infectious and someone I am proud to call a friend. Jim’s leadership, style and trustworthiness will be missed by all that knew him. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, friends and everyone at LYNX.”

Harrison will be replaced on an interim basis by LYNX chief administrative officer Tiffany Homler Hawkins. She has been with LYNX for more than 10 years, most recently overseeing the planning, communications and government affairs departments. Hawkins has a bachelor’s degree in public administration and master’s degree in communications, both from the University of Central Florida

Said Hawkins, “To say that we are heartbroken by Jim’s loss would be an understatement.  He cared deeply for everyone at LYNX and we felt the same way about him.”

Harrison, a Melbourne native, was a member in good standing of the Florida Bar and a licensed professional engineer in Florida. He firmly led LYNX through the COVID-19 pandemic, oversaw the introduction of the first battery-electric buses on LYMMO and also was instrumental in upgrading transfer stations such as the one at Rosemont which serves approximately 1,000 passengers daily.

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For more information please contact Matt Friedman, Director of Marketing Communications,
at 407-254-6206 or mfriedman@golynx.com.