James E. (Jim) Harrison, 63, the CEO for the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) passed away unexpectedly.

Harrison was named LYNX CEO in April 2019. He formerly served as an assistant county administrator during a 30-plus year career with Orange County where he was responsible for professional and technical staff in public works and the office of regional mobility, and as a senior policy advisor on regional transportation issues for the county.

Known as a straight shooter and strong advocate for public transportation, Harrison was lauded as “one of the good guys” by Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, who serves as chairperson of the LYNX board. “His personality was endearing, infectious, and someone I am proud to call a friend. Jim’s leadership, style and trustworthiness will be missed by all that knew him. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, friends, and everyone at LYNX.”

Harrison will be replaced on an interim basis by LYNX Chief Administrative Officer Tiffany Homler Hawkins. She has been with LYNX for more than 10 years, most recently overseeing the planning, communications, and government affairs departments.

“To say that we are heartbroken by Jim’s loss would be an understatement. He cared deeply for everyone at LYNX and we felt the same way about him,” said Hawkins.

Harrison, a Melbourne native, was a member in good standing of the Florida Bar and a licensed professional engineer in Florida. He firmly led LYNX through the COVID-19 pandemic, oversaw the introduction of the first battery-electric buses on LYMMO, and also was instrumental in upgrading transfer stations such as the one at Rosemont which serves approximately 1,000 passengers daily.