MICHELLE MAIKISCH

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CENTRAL FLORIDA EXPRESSWAY AUTHORITY, ORLANDO

The Central Florida Expressway Authority is an independent state agency that owns and operates 125 miles of tolled expressways across five counties in the Orlando region. Serving 3.5 million residents and 80 million visitors annually, CFX employs about 100 staff and contracts 99% of the work to private-sector firms. Over the next five years, CFX will reinvest $4.2 billion locally in transportation infrastructure to support regional connectivity and economic competitiveness. Maikisch has worked for CFX for two decades and led the agency since 2023.

EDUCATION: Florida State University (BS)

FIRST JOB: My first job was on my grandparent’s farm, picking vegetables and working at the family’s produce stand on the side of Highway 231 in Jackson County. It was there that I learned how to work with people, how to handle money, and, most of all, how to figure things out.

SOMETHING SURPRISING: I have a ‘no commitment on Saturdays’ rule in the fall for college football. Go Noles!

NONPROFIT PASSION: The most meaningful giving often begins close to home. Every year, our employees hold a chili cook-off with proceeds going to a charity. This year, we decided to support our colleagues in Tampa that were affected by Hurricane Helene. Service is less about sweeping causes and more about presence, such as showing up for the people right beside us, when it matters most.