Thank You, Joe Lopano and Commissioner Kemp! 

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Joe Lopano for his remarkable 13 years of service on the TPO Board, making him one of the longest-serving members. Over the years, he has brought a unique point of view to transportation solutions around Hillsborough County and the region. 

Under Joe’s leadership as CEO, Tampa International Airport (TPA) underwent two major expansion phases, doubling its capacity to serve 34 million passengers annually. He also introduced new transportation modes, including rideshare services, electric vehicles and TPA’s autonomous People Mover. In 2020, TPA became the first bike-friendly airport in the U.S., adding a bike and pedestrian trail as well as bike racks and repair stations. As Joe steps down, we welcome incoming TPA CEO Michael Stephens, who will take over in April 2025. Joe leaves behind a legacy of visionary leadership and innovation. 

We also sincerely appreciate Commissioner Kemp’s dedicated service to the TPO Board since December 2016. She has been a staunch advocate for safety, multi-modalism and air quality throughout her tenure. Her nearly eight years of service as a representative for the BOCC on the TPO, as well as her role as the TPO representative to the Tampa Bay Transportation Management Area (TMA), have been invaluable. As we bid farewell to Commissioner Kemp, we are excited to welcome our new representatives, Gary Hartfield from HART and Commissioner Chris Boles of the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). We also look forward to continuing our work with returning BOCC members Commissioners Gwen Myers, Harry Cohen, Joshua Wostal and Christine Miller.

Thank you, Commissioner Kemp, for your unwavering commitment and service. Welcome aboard to our new and returning members!