With an unwavering commitment to advancing transportation excellence, WGI proudly sponsored the 2024 Transportation Achievement Awards, hosted by the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR), where industry leaders gathered to celebrate groundbreaking achievements and honor visionary leaders. This prestigious event, held in Tampa, Florida, brought together leaders and innovators to celebrate achievements in transportation.

WGI’s participation in this annual event, with multiple team members from our transportation division in attendance, underscores our dedication to advancing the field and supporting emerging and established talent alike.

Celebrating Visionary Leadership and Dedication

The evening began with a stirring address by Jared Perdue, Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), who reflected on Florida’s status as a leader in transportation. Secretary Perdue discussed the state’s unique challenges, including rapid population growth and extreme weather, alongside FDOT’s ongoing initiatives to enhance infrastructure and resilience.

He highlighted recent restoration efforts in hurricane-affected areas and underscored Florida’s commitment to advancing its ports and highways to support efficient goods movement. With over $50 billion allocated for infrastructure improvements in the coming years, Secretary Perdue’s speech served as a reminder of Florida’s vision for growth and excellence in transportation.

Honoring a Transportation Visionary

The evening’s main event honored the remarkable career of Joseph W. Lopano, CEO of Tampa International Airport, who has led the airport through transformative growth over the past 13 years. Under his leadership, the airport has seen significant advancements, including a new rental car center connected by SkyConnect, a redesigned main terminal, and numerous new international flight destinations.

Lopano’s commitment to environmental sustainability and operational excellence has taken millions of cars off the road and improved regional mobility. His career path, beginning as a New York City taxi driver and culminating as a celebrated airport CEO, inspired everyone in attendance with its message of dedication, vision, and resilience.

WGI’s Commitment to Future Generations in Transportation

The evening also spotlighted exceptional graduate engineers who received student awards and scholarships, reflecting CUTR’s commitment to supporting future leaders in transportation. As attendees and sponsors, WGI joined prominent Tampa Bay firms and agencies like FDOT, Port Tampa Bay, and Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority, reinforcing our dedication to the industry’s growth and innovation.

Reflecting on the event, WGI’s Transportation Division Leader Kimberlee DeBosier shared her pride in sponsoring and attending:

“What a thrill it was to sponsor and attend, along with some of our talented USF-alumni engineers, the CUTR Awards gala honoring the 2024 inductee into Florida’s Hall of Fame as well as students receiving awards and scholarships. As always, this event serves as a powerful reminder of our collective mission to build a sustainable transportation future for Florida.”

Looking Forward

For WGI and all in attendance, the 2024 Transportation Achievement Awards reinforced a shared commitment to advancing resilient, efficient, and innovative transportation solutions. As we continue to support CUTR’s mission and celebrate Florida’s transportation achievements, WGI remains dedicated to fostering partnerships and championing initiatives that will shape the next chapter of Florida’s transportation success.

Contact Us!

At WGI, we’re committed to delivering transportation projects that blend innovation, expertise, and a focus on long-lasting impact. As we work to shape Florida’s transportation landscape, we remain committed to creating smart, efficient solutions that improve the entire network.

Contact us today to learn how WGI can turn your transportation vision into reality. Together, we have the power to Own Challenges, Create Opportunities, and Shape the Future!