Partnership in Action
FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, PE, speaking at the 2026 ACEC Florida Transportation Conference
2026 ACEC Florida Transportation Conference Showcases Collaboration
On May 28-29, transportation leaders across Florida convened in Orlando for the 2026 ACEC Florida Transportation Conference, where two days of programming reinforced the conference’s central focus: Florida's transportation success depends on strong partnerships.
Hosted by ACEC Florida, the conference brought together leaders from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Florida Transportation Builders Association (FTBA), consulting engineering firms, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of transportation policy, project delivery, workforce development, and infrastructure investment.
The conference opened with remarks from FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, PE, who reinforced the importance of innovation and commitment to excellence. The conference also featured a keynote address by strategist Bill Fournet, who challenged attendees to think differently about leadership in an ever-changing transportation environment, emphasizing that while plans provide direction, successful leaders must remain adaptable, recognize emerging issues, and build trusted partnerships that can navigate change together.
Additional sessions provided attendees with updates on FDOT's Work Program and Major Programs, offering insight into statewide priorities and the coordinated effort needed to successfully advance critical transportation projects.
Throughout the conference, panel discussions explored partnerships from multiple perspectives, examining how collaboration influences policy development, alternative project delivery, and active transportation projects, while also highlighting the importance of workforce development, mentoring, succession planning, and cultivating the next generation of transportation leaders. The conference concluded with a forward-looking discussion among FDOT and industry executives on how trust, accountability, and shared purpose continue to strengthen project delivery and improve outcomes for Florida's transportation program.
A Celebration of the Life, Leadership, and Legacy of Ben Watts
One of the conference's most memorable sessions was "Honoring a Legacy of Leadership and Partnership: Remembering Former FDOT Secretary Ben Watts, PE."
The distinguished panel reflected on the life and leadership of Ben Watts, the longest-serving Secretary of FDOT, whose influence helped establish many of the collaborative practices that define the relationship between FDOT and the engineering industry today.
Secretary Watts led during a pivotal period for the Department, restoring trust, strengthening partnerships, and setting a standard for leadership rooted in hard work, teamwork, honesty, and loyalty. Panelists discussed how his commitment to public service and collaboration helped guide FDOT through significant challenges while positioning the Department for long-term success.
Secretary Watts' influence extended beyond policy and project delivery. During his tenure at FDOT, he regularly communicated directly with employees through monthly inspirational messages that encouraged leadership, accountability, teamwork, and a commitment to public service. These writings became a hallmark of his leadership style and continue to resonate with transportation professionals today.
Among these collections are:
The conference also recognized the enduring importance of this legacy by presenting the Ben Watts Partnership Award, which honors someone who has made an extraordinary contribution to the effective partnership between FDOT and ACEC Florida. Congratulations to Maryam Ghyabi-White, recipient of the 2026 Ben Watts Partnership Award, for her commitment to advancing the collaborative spirit that Secretary Watts championed throughout his career.
The 2026 ACEC Florida Transportation Conference demonstrated that while transportation challenges continue to evolve, the principles that have long guided Florida's success remain constant. Strong partnerships, effective leadership, and a shared commitment to service continue to provide the foundation for delivering a transportation system that serves Florida's growing communities and economy.