Understanding the leadership of key departments is crucial to grasping how a state functions, especially in sectors as vital as transportation. When it comes to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the person at the helm is Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis on April 7, 2022, Secretary Perdue is responsible for guiding the agency that shapes and manages Florida’s extensive transportation network.
Jared W. Perdue: Leading the Florida Department of Transportation
Secretary Perdue doesn’t just hold the title; he embodies a career deeply rooted within FDOT. His journey began through FDOT District Three’s Professional Engineer Training Program, a starting point that ignited his dedication to public service in Florida. Over the years, Perdue has amassed a rich tapestry of experience, contributing to nearly every facet of the state’s transportation infrastructure. His progression through various roles within FDOT showcases a comprehensive understanding of the department’s diverse operations.
A Career Dedicated to Florida Transportation
From serving as the District Geotechnical Engineer to the District Traffic Operations Engineer and subsequently as the District Design Engineer, Perdue’s hands-on experience spans critical engineering domains. His expertise isn’t limited to roads and highways; it extends to diverse modes of transport. Notably, he served as CEO of SunRail, demonstrating his capability in managing complex transportation systems. His portfolio also includes experience with space transportation initiatives and multi-use trails, highlighting a versatile understanding of Florida’s unique transportation needs.
Vision for a Safer, Stronger, and More Resilient Florida
Currently, Secretary Perdue is spearheading Governor DeSantis’s Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative. This ambitious project represents a historic investment aimed at proactively addressing Florida’s rapid population growth. The initiative is strategically designed to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance safety across all transportation modes, ensure the resilience of the network against various challenges, and strengthen Florida’s crucial supply chain infrastructure statewide.
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Alt text example for the imagined image: Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue leads a strategy meeting, emphasizing infrastructure improvements and transportation network resilience, with a highway backdrop symbolizing FDOT's extensive reach.
Since taking office, Secretary Perdue has articulated a clear vision: to construct a safer, stronger, and more resilient multimodal transportation system, always placing Florida’s communities at the forefront of FDOT’s efforts. Recognizing the profound impact of transportation on Floridians’ quality of life, Perdue is committed to ensuring FDOT’s infrastructure effectively serves both residents and visitors, now and well into the future. His leadership emphasizes collaboration with communities to align transportation developments with local visions and needs.
Under his direction, FDOT’s core priorities are firmly set on safety, aiming for the ambitious goal of zero fatalities and serious injuries. Alongside this paramount safety focus, the Department is dedicated to continuously enhancing the transportation network, fostering innovation within the transportation sector, and building robust partnerships. These strategic pillars are designed to ensure Florida maintains its position as a national leader in transportation excellence.
Secretary Perdue’s academic foundation is in civil engineering, earned at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. On a personal note, he is married to Brandis and is the father of five daughters. This blend of professional expertise and dedication to public service positions Jared W. Perdue as a highly capable leader for the Florida Department of Transportation, steering the state’s transportation future.
