FPTA Hall of Fame
The Most Distinguished Individuals in Florida Public Transportation
This is the highest honor that our association can bestow. In our 40+ year history, the Board and members of the Florida Public Transportation Association have only chosen a select few individuals to be honored with induction to our Hall of Fame.
The people listed below have made a significant and lasting impact in advancing public transportation in Florida and we are very proud that each has chosen to work alongside the FPTA.
2016 – Jay Goodwill
Jay Goodwill has dedicated his professional life to improving public transit in Florida. Following three years as the Executive Director of the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, Jay was appointed as the Executive Director of the Sarasota County...
2015 – Lorraine Szyms
For 33 years, Lorraine Szyms served at high levels of various transit systems in both coasts of south Florida. She was the state’s first female Transit Director, serving in that capacity for Lee County Transit from 1982 to 1985 and helped pave the way for the many...
2014 – Jo Ann Hutchinson
Jo Ann Hutchinson has had over 40 years of extensive experience at the national and state levels in community and public transportation services. She has served at the national and regional levels as one of 10 United We Ride Ambassadors where she provided assistance...
2013 – Perry Maull
Perry Maull contributed to the advancement of public transportation in more Florida communities than any other transit manager in the history of the state. After graduating from Indiana University as a participant in the famous “George Smerk Transit Management...
2012 – Ben Watts
It is with sadness that we announce that on Friday, June 20, 2025, Mr. Ben Watts passed away. In 2012, Mr. Ben Watts was inducted into the FPTA Hall of Fame. Mr. Watts, a Florida native, is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served for five...
2011 – Wes Watson
Wes Watson is the “face” of public transportation in the State of Florida. Wes served as the first and only Executive Director of the Florida Public Transportation Association for 30 years, leading the Florida Public Transportation Association into the successful...
2010 – Senator Jack D. Gordon
Senator Jack Gordon faithfully and enthusiastically served the Florida Senate for six terms from 1972 to 1992 where he chaired several committees. including Appropriations, Finance and Taxation, Ways and Means, Education, Health and Rehabilitative Services, and...
2008 – Harry Orr
Harry Orr was the first Transit Director of Hartline in Tampa and served as director until his retirement in 1985. Previous to his position at Hartline, Harry was the Director of Parking for the City of Tampa. After the Mayor of Tampa told Harry that the City could no...
2008 – Wil Barnes
Wil Barnes was a model general manager dedicated to quality public service, and was a pioneer in the art of transitioning private transit providers into public transportation agencies. He was instrumental in creating the PAT system in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the...