José Abreu, P.E., F.ASCE

Senior Vice President | GFT

Transportation and Infrastructure Executive

Executive Profile

José Abreu, P.E., F.ASCE, is a senior vice president at GFT and a member of the firm’s executive leadership team. Based in Miami, Florida, he helps guide strategic growth and business development initiatives across transportation and other infrastructure markets in Florida and nationwide.

He works closely with firm leadership to identify opportunities aligned with GFT’s growth strategy, develop market-entry plans, expand services, and cultivate enduring client relationships.

Public-Sector Leadership

Before joining GFT in 2013, Abreu served as director of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, where he oversaw Miami International Airport and four general aviation airports. Under his leadership, Miami International Airport served more than 39 million passengers and handled approximately 2 million tons of cargo annually.

He was also responsible for a $6.5 billion capital improvement program, one of the largest airport expansion efforts in the United States, which delivered new terminals, roadways, and supporting infrastructure across the county’s airport system.

Before his appointment as aviation director in 2005, Abreu served as secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation under Governor Jeb Bush. He directed operations encompassing seven districts, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, approximately 7,500 employees, and a $9 billion annual budget.

During more than 18 years with FDOT, he held progressively senior leadership positions, including eight years as secretary of District Six, serving Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

Credentials and Professional Service

Abreu is a registered professional engineer in Florida and Puerto Rico and a certified engineering contractor in Miami-Dade County. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Miami.

He is a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, reflected by the professional designation F.ASCE, in recognition of his distinguished achievements and contributions to the civil engineering profession.

His professional and community service includes membership on the board of directors of the Cuban American Association of Civil Engineers and service as past chairman of Floridians for Better Transportation.

He has also served on the United Way of Miami-Dade board of directors; the University of Miami Industrial Advisory Board for the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering; the University’s College of Engineering Dean’s Visiting Committee; and the Board of Governors of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.

In 2008, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce appointed him to the Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.

Selected Honors

• 2013 Chairman’s Award, The Beacon Council; University of Miami Alumni Association Banner Marshal.
• 2012 Transportation Achievement Award, Center for Urban Transportation Research; Excellence in Tourism Award, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.
• 2011 Bob Graham Architectural Awareness Award, American Institute of Architects; named among Miami’s 75 Most Influential People in Politics, Business, Sports, and Arts by Poder magazine.
• 2010 International Achievements Award, World Trade Center Miami.
• 2009 Wright Brothers Award, Greater Miami Aviation Association.
• 2007 Named one of Engineering News-Record’s Top 25 Newsmakers.
• 2004 Civil Government Award, American Society of Civil Engineers; Florida Engineering Society Award for outstanding service to the profession.
• 2003 Named among Hispanic Business magazine’s 100 Most Influential Hispanics.
• 2000 Wilbur S. Smith Award, American Society of Civil Engineers.
• 1996 Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Miami.

Additional recognition includes Visionary Leader of the Year by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and Person of the Year by the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association.