Paul Simmons, Modal Development Administrator, Florida Department of Transportation, District One

BIRTHPLACE: Dayton, Ohio
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management, Certified Public Manager (CPM)
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY: Thirty two years’ combined experience in freight logistics and public transportation
YEARS WORKING IN TRANSIT INDUSTRY: 14 years

BIGGEST SURPRISE IN MARKETING TRANSIT:
I’ve had the pleasure to work with some very talented marketing professionals through the years. Cindy Rodriquez, formally Communications Director for Polk County BoCC, Mianne Nelson, current Director of Communications for Polk County BoCC and Dave Walters, Communications Specialist at Polk County have all given me excellent insight on marketing our programs on limited budgets and forging those important public-private partnerships.

In public transportation your front line staff play a huge part in marketing your service. Nothing replaces a smile in your voice or on your face when delivering services to the public. I’ve found the folks working in public transportation to be very caring individuals who work with their hearts and have a genuine concern for the human condition.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN MARKETING TRANSIT:
I’ve always made a concerted effort to ensure that all elected officials that I presented to rode the bus at least once. No amount of marketing or explanation can replace the on board experience of riding the local transportation system. It gives the elected officials the opportunity to see firsthand the who, why, what and where.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Leadership Giver United Way, Board Member, George Harris Youth Shelter

PERSONAL BACKGROUND: Married to my wife Patti (27 years), two children, Erik and Brittany, 6 Grandchildren and two dogs. Hobbies include golfing when time permits (these days no time permits) and gardening. Babysitting has become a recent pastime and a delight.

CHILDHOOD AMBITION: To be a professional football player

INSPIRATION: My Father was my inspiration, financial backer and role model.

FAVORITE BOOK: Bible
FAVORITE COLOR: Blue
FAVORITE CANDY: Jujubes