2026 Event Information
November 18, 2026 | USF Marshall Student Center, MSC 2100
Reception 5:30–7 p.m.
Dinner/Awards 7–9 p.m.
Tickets: $150pp
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Join us for the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) Transportation Achievement Awards, an evening celebrating innovation, leadership, and emerging talent in Florida’s transportation industry. The event will honor a distinguished industry leader selected by the CUTR Advisory Board for induction into Florida’s Transportation Hall of Fame, recognizing a career marked by leadership, insight, character, and innovation. The program will also spotlight rising stars through the New Voice in Transportation Award, Georgia Brosch Transportation Scholarships, CUTR Transportation Scholarships, and Student Research Poster Awards.
Proceeds from this event support USF Foundation Fund #220430, advancing CUTR’s mission to strengthen faculty and staff development, expand student scholarships, and fuel impactful transportation research, education, and outreach.
Florida’s Transportation Hall of Fame™ Award
The CUTR Advisory Board recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to Florida transportation, demonstrating leadership, insight, and innovation throughout their distinguished careers. Learn more.
2026 Inductee
Jeff Brandes
Founder and President, Florida Policy Project | Former Florida State Senator
Jeff Brandes is widely recognized as one of Florida’s most influential transportation innovators and policymakers. During his 12 years in the Florida Legislature, he championed transformative transportation initiatives that helped position Florida as a national leader in emerging mobility technologies. His accomplishments include sponsoring landmark autonomous vehicle legislation, advancing statewide ridesharing policy, supporting electric vehicle infrastructure, championing micromobility solutions, and helping advance the vision for SunTrax, Florida’s premier advanced transportation testing facility.
A decorated Army transportation officer and combat veteran, Brandes has dedicated his career to improving the movement of people and goods through forward-thinking policy, innovation, and leadership. His lasting contributions have helped shape Florida’s transportation future and fostered a culture of innovation across the state.
Additional Awards
New Voice in Transportation Award
CUTR recognizes an individual at an earlier stage in their career who is demonstrating leadership in the transportation profession with significant potential for making an impact on transportation in Florida. Learn more.
Georgia Brosch Memorial Transportation Scholarship
CUTR established this award to assist in educating and attracting the best and brightest to careers in transportation. Named in memory of the infant daughter of former CUTR Director Gary Brosch and his wife Barbara. Learn more.
CUTR Transportation Scholarship
Funds for this Scholarship are provided by generous donors who believe in developing the next generation of transportation leaders. Learn more.
ELEMENT Engineering Group Transportation Scholarship
This scholarship is open to all full-time USF students pursuing a Civil Engineering major with a focus on transportation. Learn more.
Student Research Poster Awards
The Awards recognize outstanding student research and innovation in transportation while providing students the opportunity to present their work to industry professionals and future employers.
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