2026 Board Spotlight: Jonathan Hopkins
Jonathan Hopkins is the CEO of Smart Mobility Associates and Executive Director of WPBgo in West Palm Beach. He is a SEACT Chapter member and serves as an At-Large Director on ACT’s Board. Meet Jonathan in our February spotlight!
Before joining the TDM field, Jonathan served for 10 years as a U.S. Army officer, culminating in command of two companies. He brings this strong leadership background, along with his later experience working at organizations including McKinsey, Uber, Lime, Brightline, and more to his mission-driven work today.
Jonathan has long paired a commitment to leadership with meaningful service. He volunteered as a national spokesperson for OutServe during the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, representing LGBTQ+ servicemembers at a pivotal moment in history. In Seattle, he went on to serve as Political Director and Executive Director of Seattle Subway and co-founded Cascadia Rail, championing a successful $54 billion Sound Transit system expansion ballot measure as well as a vision for high-speed rail in the Pacific Northwest.
Inspired by his volunteer work with Seattle Subway, which included extensive collaboration with policy-makers and agency leaders in Seattle, Jonathan applied for and became Executive Director of Commute Seattle in 2016. He has since spent a decade advancing TDM and expanding car-free mobility options in cities.
A self-described generalist, Jonathan values a role that cuts across functions and unites stakeholders around shared goals. He’s especially motivated by working with mission-driven colleagues and helping city solutions become more customer-centric.
As a participant in ACT’s first-ever international delegation, Jonathan explored world-class event venues in the UK last year. Learning about best practices and proven strategies from across the pond was truly inspiring to him. He fondly remembers the experience of seeing people, programs, and organizations operating at their best.
Looking ahead, Jonathan is excited for the World Cup to showcase how TDM best practices can boost local economies and create a great fan experience. ACT’s role in education efforts and seeking to bar on the quality of US TDM initiatives were two factors that inspired him to take on a board position.
“TDM programs don’t exist everywhere, so ACT plays a critical role in growing awareness and common understanding across the broad expanse of our country,” says Jonathan. “I strongly appreciate ACT’s potential to be a bar-raiser, elevating what TDM can be and its importance to thriving cities and growing quality of life for residents and visitors alike. I look forward to continuing to increase our effectiveness at growing best practice awareness and innovation.”
Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys cycling, traveling, and exploring new regions’ transportation options. He says, “Whenever I go somewhere, you’ll find me riding a new train line, double-decker bus, tuk-tuk, or funicular. You’ll also find me exploring nature on a grand hike, or on a glacier, or someplace communing with the riches that have been granted to all of us for our stewardship.”
Please join us in welcoming Jonathan to ACT’s Board of Directors!