| Driving Revenue
by J J Eden
www.TrafficTechnologyToday.com 063
As you may have heard,
I am now serving as
executive director of the
North Carolina Turnpike Authority. As with
any career change, this was a tough decision.
To make this one more difficult, I left
a great company and dedicated team that
always did what was best for the customer.
AECOM provided me with the opportunity
to help move the industry forward.
During my 45-year career, I have worked
in all areas of this industry, including
integration, consulting and two
opportunities with agencies (Pennsylvania
Turnpike and North Carolina Turnpike
Authority). While talking to my wife one
night, she asked me where I get the most
job satisfaction. Of course, I initially started
with the one that paid the most, but she
rightfully challenged me on that, saying,
“I didn’t ask you about money. I asked you
where you felt the best about what you
were doing.”
When I sit back and reflect, I remember
enjoying my days as an integrator,
developing products for the industry and
trying to push the envelope forward to
deliver on time and within budget. I also
enjoyed my time as a consultant – an
experience that pushed me toward flexibility
to perform at a high level within agencies.
I was devoted to what they were creating
for their customers, who are committed
partners that will be the future of tolling.
Traffic Technology International July/August 2019
When I really reflect on what I have
enjoyed most in my career, I turn to my
time on the agency side. During my days at
the Pennsylvania Turnpike, we
accomplished so much, such as starting
E-ZPass and writing the first management
online maintenance system (MOMS), just
to name a few. As chief operating officer at
the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, we
started the first toll road in the state, the
Triangle Expressway.
However, nothing could top the feeling
of when customers called me and said,
“Thank you for putting 45 minutes back
into my life so I could spend it with my
children.” Hearing that made me feel as
though my work really made a difference.
I missed that feeling on the integrator and
consultant side. I know many of you are
saying, “You forget about the bad calls,
all the names you were called and the
time somebody chained themselves to
a bulldozer.” I remember those times,
too, and while they were tough, we built
something that helped the economy,
shortened commute times and ultimately
improved people’s lives.
After talking with Secretary Jim
Trogdon, it was clear that the North
Carolina Turnpike Authority continued its
path of growth and innovation. He wants
to continue delivering the absolute best
transportation system with projects that
communities want, need, and will use, and
I’m excited to be part of that future. I know
the Turnpike Authority will continue to put
customers first well beyond my time as
executive director.
I am excited to bring all the lessons
I have learned to an agency that is well on
its way toward the future of transportation.
I am truly doing what makes me happy –
making a difference, not only for the
tolling and transportation industries, but
also for the people of North Carolina.
In tolling, where
does the greatest
amount of job
satisfaction lie?
“We built something that
helped the economy,
shortened commute
times and ultimately
improved people’s lives”
data acquired. Over 50,000 of
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