The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida announced today the retirement of Founding Director Gary Brosch. Brosch was the first employee when the center was established by the Florida legislative in 1988 to serve as a resource to the legislature, local governments and the private sector for finding innovative solutions to transportation problems.
“I am most grateful for the faculty, staff and students of CUTR who have embraced a spirit of entrepreneurship and a spirit of service to others that has made CUTR the successful organization that it is today,” said Brosch.
CUTR now has 130 employees and has conducted more than $200 million of sponsored research. Brosch’s career includes serving as staff director for the Florida House of Representatives Committee on Tourism and Economic Development; special economic advisor to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation; and Vice President of Transportation Research at Rice University’s Rice Center.
“Gary is the epitome of a passionate transportation professional. He cares deeply about his employees and his community. He values hard work, client service, and rewarding philanthropic efforts. He built the organization with a vision that has allowed us to become one of the largest centers in the entire country but it is also one of the best places to work,” said Jason Bittner, current Director of CUTR. (NOTE: Jason Bittner was CUTR Director at the time this post was made, but left CUTR and USF in February 2014.)
During Brosch’s tenure, CUTR progressed from temporary space, to modular units, to its current permanent building on the USF campus. He has a record of numerous publications, has testified before local and state governments, as well as the U.S. Congress, and has been inducted into the Florida Transit Association’s Hall of Fame. Brosch’s most recent role at CUTR has been as Editor of the Journal of Public Transportation.
“Gary was an inspiration to us,” said College of Engineering Interim Dean Rafael Perez. “We wish him well on his future endeavors. His work has brought great recognition to the college, to USF, and to the state of Florida.”
A small celebration in recognition of Gary’s 25 years of service to the University of South Florida will be held on Tuesday, February 25 at the Center for Urban Transportation Research. The event begins at 4:30pm.
