The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) issued news that James E. (Jim) Harrison, its CEO, died unexpectedly on the morning of Aug. 12. LYNX Chief Administrative Officer Tiffany Homler Hawkins will serve as the agency’s interim CEO.
“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,” said Hawkins.
Harrison, 63, took the helm of the agency in April 2019 amid a budget crisis and worked to rebuild community trust. Harrison firmly led LYNX through the COVID-19 pandemic, oversaw the introduction of the first battery-electric buses on LYMMO and was instrumental in upgrading transfer stations such as the one at Rosemont, which serves approximately 1,000 passengers daily.
In a September 2021 Mass Transit cover story on LYNX, Harrison noted LYNX’s history of innovation and how the agency is working to enhance its network and services to best serve the rapidly growing Central Florida population.
“What makes us stand out right now is that we're the only three-county transit agency that has experienced such unprecedented growth over the last decade and that growth, coupled with our funding challenges as a regional agency, has led us to be innovative in the way that we deliver our services,” Harrison said in the interview.
Later in the interview he added, “As we continue to be one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, there's no question that transit in all of its forms is going to be a key component to the region's success; I think our future is very, very bright.”
Harrison was a native Floridian with a 30-plus year career with Orange County including serving as the assistant county administrator. 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.”
On Monday, U.S. Reps. Val Demings (FL-10), Darren Soto (FL-09) and Stephanie Murphy (FL-07) issued a statement on Harrison's death and offered condolences to his friends and family.
Said the Members, “Jim has been a trusted partner to us for years. He cared deeply about the safety and mobility of each resident and visitor of central Florida. His work has helped keep us moving and was invaluable to everyone in our community. His leadership as a champion for our community was critical to the strong local, state and federal partnerships built by LYNX, including new grant funding announced today. His untimely loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him, but his important work will continue, following in his footsteps as a leader and friend. Please keep his family in your prayers during this difficult time.”
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Orlando.
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Updated Aug. 15, 5:07 p.m. to include statement of central Florida U.S. Representatives.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
