James “J.J.” Eden is executive director of the North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) and a nationally recognized leader in transportation innovation. He has been instrumental in developing the state’s most advanced roadways, including the first modern toll facility, the Triangle Expressway. J.J. began his career in 1971 with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. In 1988, he co-founded the Interagency Group and co-authored the business rules for what is now universally known as E-ZPass. He later held executive roles at Lockheed Martin and AECOM. J.J. is an honorary member of IBTTA, founder of the Alliance for Toll Innovation, and a board member of the OmniAir Consortium. In 2022, he was named Innovator of the Year and inducted into the Hall of Fame by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association. J.J. continues to champion infrastructure advancements, including national interoperability and automated vehicle readiness.