James “J.J.” Eden is the executive director of the N.C. Turnpike Authority, a role he’s served in since 2019. Eden oversees some of the nation's most advanced roadways and is issuing change across departments to build infrastructure capable of meeting the demand of a changing economy and advancing technological capabilities.
He has more than 50 years of experience in the tolling and transportation industry. Due to his dedication, passion and expertise, Eden was recognized in 2022 as the American Road & Transportation Builders Association Foundation and inducted in 2022 into the ARTBA Hall of Fame.
Eden began his career in 1971 as a technician for Syntonic (now TransCore) working with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. In 1986, he was recruited to assistant chief engineer at the Pennsylvania Turnpike Authority, where he managed the design and implementation of the awarding-winning Intelligent Transportation Solutions and electronic tolling systems, as well as project construction and maintenance. He co-authored the industry's first Management Online Maintenance System, or M.O.M.S, during this period.
In 1988, he co-founded the Interagency Group and co-wrote the business rules and operating procedures for IAG, better known as E-ZPass. This success led to various other opportunities in both the public and private sector, including in 1996 to Lockheed Martin to lead its Electronic Toll Collection Division as well as preparing the organization for acquisition. In 2010, Eden began work with AECOM and led the Tolling and Managed Lanes Division.
In 2018, he contributed to a textbook published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Eden wrote about engineering interoperability in the U.S., focusing on video tolling and multiprotocol tags and readers.
In 2006, as chief operating officer of the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, he led the development, financing and construction of the Triangle Expressway. The Triangle Expressway was the first modern toll facility in North Carolina.
Eden has been an active member of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, or IBTTA, for over 40 years. He serves on IBTTA’s Board of Directors. In 2018, IBTTA named him an honorary member for his contributions to the industry.
Eden founded the Alliance for Toll Innovation, where he serves as the president and CEO. The non-profit organization advocates for the advancement of technology and simplification of toll collecting processes. He also served on the Board of OmniAir Consortium, an industry association promoting interoperability and certification for connected vehicles, Intelligent Transportation Solutions and transportation payment systems.