Malcolm E. Beard, 2011

Malcolm E. Beard was instrumental in the establishment of CUTR in 1988 and has been a strong and tireless advocate for transportation throughout his career. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II and as Constable of Hillsborough County from 1957 until 1965 when he was elected Sheriff of Hillsborough County, serving until 1978. He was served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1978–1980 and the Florida Senate from 1980-1996. During his tenure in the Florida Senate, he served for 10 years as Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and co-chaired a committee that sponsored the most generous transportation funding bill in the history of Florida. His tireless efforts resulted in the establishment of the Florida Transportation Commission and CUTR. He served on numerous committees and has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors. When he retired in 1996, he was President Pro Tempore of the Florida Senate and held in the highest regard by his peers and his constituents. Senator Beard attended the University of Tampa.