2024 FAV Summit Highlights
Spotlight on Tech
Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation, it comes to life when the right people are in the room. At the 2024 FAV Summit, emerging technologies took center stage alongside the minds building them. From breakthrough ideas to real-world applications, this is where the future of mobility becomes something you can see, touch, and be part of.
Policy Driven
Behind every advancement in mobility is the policy that makes it possible. The 2024 FAV Summit brought together leaders shaping the frameworks, decisions, and direction of the industry, ensuring innovation doesn’t just move fast, but moves forward. This is where ideas align with action, and progress becomes real.
Featured Speakers
Taylor Lochrane, Ph.D., P.E.
Deputy Director & Chief Scientist, USDOT (HASS COE)
Dr. Taylor Lochrane serves as Deputy Director of Science and Technology and Chief Scientist for the USDOT Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology’s Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence (HASS COE). He is a recognized leader in transportation safety, automation, and research, with experience spanning both federal and private sectors. Dr. Lochrane has led major initiatives advancing highly automated systems, including the development of Cooperative Driving Automation during his time at the Federal Highway Administration. Known for his strategic vision and technical leadership, he continues to play a key role in shaping the safe deployment of emerging transportation technologies. He holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Central Florida.
Jared W. Perdue
Secretary, Florida Department of Transportation
Jared W. Perdue was appointed Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022. He leads the state’s efforts to plan, develop, and operate a safe, multimodal transportation system serving all regions of Florida. Secretary Perdue has spent his career at FDOT, progressing through roles in maintenance, traffic operations, design, and transportation development before serving as District Five Secretary, where he oversaw major projects including SunRail, the I‑4 Ultimate Project, and Wekiva Parkway. Under his leadership, FDOT continues to prioritize safety and embrace innovation to support Florida’s growth. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from The Citadel.
John R. Easterling
Traffic Operations Engineer, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise
John R. Easterling serves as the District Traffic Operations Engineer for Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, part of the Florida Department of Transportation. In this role, he leads traffic operations and the Transportation Systems Management & Operations (TSM&O) program, overseeing the planning, operations, and maintenance of intelligent transportation systems and traffic management centers across the 511-mile Turnpike system. He plays a key role in advancing emerging transportation technologies, including connected vehicle initiatives and the development of the SunTrax facility for automated and connected vehicle testing. Mr. Easterling holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Miami and is a licensed Professional Engineer and Professional Traffic Operations Engineer.
