The Triangle Business Journal has selected James ‘JJ’ Eden, executive director of the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, as one of their 2024 Corporate Leadership winners.
Each year, The Triangle Business Journal honors outstanding executives for their contributions to the Triangle Community. The 2024 class includes visionaries from the technology, transportation, life sciences, construction and hospitality industries.
“In my role as executive director, I am proud to lead a diverse, multi-talented team of professionals and work closely with our dedicated Board of Directors,” says Eden. “Every day the team works to provide connectivity and transportation options for businesses and communities, such as the Triangle Expressway Extension opening September 25. I am proud of the work we accomplish together and honored to be recognized by The Triangle Business Journal.”
JJ has more than 50 years of experience in the tolling and transportation industry. In 2006, as Chief Operating Officer of the North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA), he led the development, financing and construction of the Triangle Expressway. The Triangle Expressway was the first modern toll facility in North Carolina. JJ returned to NCTA as Executive Director in 2019. He currently oversees some of the nation’s most advanced roadways and is implementing change across departments to build infrastructure capable of meeting the demands of a changing economy and advancing technological capabilities.
In 2022, due to his dedication, passion and expertise in the transportation industry, JJ was inducted into the American Road & Transportation Builders Association Foundation’s Transportation Development Hall of Fame. JJ has been an active member of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) for over 40 years and served on its Board of Directors. In 2018, IBTTA named JJ an honorary member for his outstanding contributions to the industry.
JJ Eden writes a regular column for Traffic Technology International.
