Envisioning a Connected Future: Shaping Central Florida’s Transportation Landscape for 2050

Meeting Information

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2025-2026 Calendar

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Envisioning a Connected Future: Shaping Central Florida’s Transportation Landscape for 2050

May 01, 2025
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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The Country Club of Orlando
1601 Country Club Drive
Orlando, FL 32804
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As one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States, Central Florida has experienced unprecedented growth, leading to rapid development and increased strain on transportation networks. Moderated by MetroPlan Orlando’s Director of Transportation Planning and Development, Alex Trauger, this discussion will focus on the actions being taken to accommodate the present and future growth of the Orlando metropolitan area and how these needs will be addressed in the 2050 Transportation Plan. Join FDOT District Five, the Central Florida Expressway Authority, LYNX, and GOAA, along with local governments from Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties, for a collaborative discussion covering key points such as:

Areas of prioritization between the transportation agencies and local governments
Steps forward in the face of challenges and constraints
Initiatives within the agencies and local governments and the influence over future planning

Look ahead with us on May 1st from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM as we explore Metroplan Orlando's 2050 vision with Central Florida's top transportation leaders, outlining an integrated, sustainable transit network for future growth.

SPEAKERS

	Jack Adkins is the Director of Transportation Development for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Five. A University of Florida graduate with a BSBA in Real Estate and Finance, he spent 14 years in the private sector, specializing in appraisals for eminent domain projects, before joining FDOT in 1995 as a Senior Review Appraiser. Over 30 years, Jack advanced through supervisory roles, including District Right of Way Manager for 10 years. His interim appointment as Director of Transportation Development later became permanent, reflecting his expertise and dedication. Jack’s career demonstrates a commitment to utilizing his extensive knowledge to support FDOT's transportation development initiatives.
	James Boyle is a Florida native. He graduated from Florida State University in 2004 with a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, specializing in transportation. He is currently the Interim Chief of Planning and Development at Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX). In his previous roles he was the Director of Planning at Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) where he oversaw the complete restructuring of the Sacramento bus system from planning to implementation, the Statewide Planning Chief for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (AKDOT&PF), as well as the Planning Manager in the Anchorage office of Alaska DOT&PF. He has also served as the Regional Planner at the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) and worked as a planner for CDM Smith in Atlanta, Georgia. In his free time, he enjoys traveling to National Parks, working in the yard, cooking and the beach.
	Bradley E. Friel is the Senior Vice President of Multimodal Planning and Environmental for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, overseeing planning and environmental activities at Orlando International and Orlando Executive Airports. He joined GOAA in 2001 as Manager of Transportation and Land Use Planning, where he contributed to airport facilities planning, environmental compliance under NEPA, and the Airport Master Plan. Currently, he leads efforts to integrate vertiport operations for eVTOL aircraft at Orlando International in alignment with FAA rules. Previously, Mr. Friel served as a Principal Planner for the City of Ocoee, FL, and as a Project Manager at Transportation Consulting Group. A member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), he earned the A.A.E. accreditation in 2013. Mr. Friel holds a Bachelor’s in Economics from West Virginia University and a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University.
	Will Hawthorne serves as the Director of Transportation Planning and Policy for the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX), overseeing the agency’s Master Plan, 5-year work plan, and planning studies across its five-county jurisdiction. He works closely with state, local, and federal stakeholders, as well as grassroots organizations, to advocate for reliable transportation systems. Will has held notable leadership roles, including Chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee for the Orlando Metropolitan Planning Organization in 2019 and Chairman of the Winter Garden Planning and Zoning Board. He is a registered professional engineer in Florida, a graduate of the Florida Engineering Leadership Institute, and a board member of the Central Florida American Society of Highway Engineers. Will earned a BS in civil engineering from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2007 and an MBA in 2021, and was named one of Orlando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2020.
	Christina Colon, as Executive Director of Transportation and Transit for Osceola County, oversees the County’s transportation network, including $400 million in active construction projects and $3 billion in planned improvements over the next decade. She manages the Osceola Parkway toll road, the County’s Traffic Management Center, and public transit services like LYNX and SunRail. With 25 years of civil engineering and management experience, Christina excels in delivering transformative, cost-efficient transportation solutions while maintaining high-quality standards. Her career spans both private and public sectors, including serving as Director of Transportation Development for Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, where she advanced nearly $4 billion in projects. Known for her strong communication and collaborative approach, Christina embodies the innovative spirit of “Be first to what’s next” in driving sustainable transportation advancements.
	Arturo Perez brings over 38 years of expertise in transportation planning and traffic engineering. He has contributed to various studies, including Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs), traffic impact studies (TIS), corridor studies, impact fee studies, and Long-Range Transportation Plans (LRTPs). Proficient in transportation modeling software such as TRANPLAN, FSUTMS, CUBE/Voyager, MINUTP, CORSIM, Synchro, Paramics, CUBE/Avenue, and VISSIM, he has developed multiple micro-simulation and transportation models. Mr. Perez has collaborated with MetroPlan Orlando on the 2010, 2030, and 2040 LRTPs, as well as the Orlando Urban Area Transportation Study (OUATS) model development. Additionally, he has worked on LRTPs for the Palm Beach MPO and the River to Sea TPO, showcasing his extensive experience and technical knowledge in advancing regional transportation initiatives.
	Brian Sanders serves as the Orange County Manager of the Transportation Planning Division, having worked with Orange County government for 35 years in both the Utilities and Public Works Departments. As a Central Florida native, Brian graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. In his role as Manager of the Transportation Planning Division, his responsibilities include overseeing road corridor capacity and safety studies, managing the Roadway Concurrency Management System, handling Road Impact Fees, coordinating Roadway Agreements, securing Grant Applications, and contributing to policy planning. Married for 28 years, Brian is a proud family man with two accomplished adult daughters, reflecting his commitment to both his career and his personal life. His expertise and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the transportation infrastructure of his community.