Transdev’s Kelly Gordon Named to Mass Transit’s 40 Under 40 List
Transdev is proud to announce that Kelly Gordon, General Manager of our Palm Tran Connection contract in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been named to Mass Transit magazine’s prestigious 40 Under 40 Class of 2025.
Now in its 17th year, Mass Transit’s 40 Under 40 program honors outstanding young professionals who are shaping the future of the transit industry. Selected from nominations nationwide, honorees are recognized for their leadership, innovation, commitment, and impact within the field.
For Gordon, this recognition is both humble and surreal.
“I never thought I’d be here,” he shared. “I wasn’t planning to get into public transportation; I kind of fell into it. It is an honor to be named.”
What started as a role in dispatching has evolved into a more than decade-long career in transit, with nearly seven years in management. Gordon began as a dispatcher with First Transit in 2014 and quickly moved into a scheduling role he credits to a supportive supervisor who helped him balance work and family life. From there, he climbed the ladder, taking on positions in operations, serving as a general manager and floating around the East region as a performance manager. .
Throughout his journey, Gordon has remained focused on growth for himself, his team, and the broader community.
“I’ve always been looking for the next level,” he said. “What keeps me in this industry is the constant change—there’s always something new to learn or a different way to approach a challenge.”
Gordon is a Certified Transit Trainer and Certified Safety & Security Officer who leads with collaboration and authenticity. He avoids micromanagement, encourages open communication, and prides himself on being available to his team.
“I’ve always been a collaborative, lead-by-example kind of guy,” he explained. “It’s a team effort.”
Under his leadership, Gordon has helped pilot the transition from paper-based processes to tablets—an effort he says required learning together and adapting as a team.
Outside the workplace, Gordon is deeply committed to community engagement, building strong relationships with local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and advocacy groups. He believes showing up and putting in the effort makes a lasting difference, which is something he encourages both his staff and himself.
“I always tell people: if you have an idea or a suggestion, share it. That’s how I got to where I am,” he said.
Gordon also takes mentorship seriously, crediting four career mentors who helped shape his leadership style. Now, he’s doing the same for others. He’s actively preparing his Assistant General Manager for the next step in her career, ensuring she’s equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to eventually step into a general manager role. He’s intentional about sharing information and creating space for others to grow, fostering a team environment where leadership is developed, not centralized.
”Kelly brings a rare combination of strategic thinking and genuine care for the people around him. He’s resourceful, resilient, and always willing to do what it takes—from cleaning vehicles one day to reviewing financials the next.
Derrick BreunSenior Vice President of the Southwest Region, Transdev
Please join us in congratulating Gordon on this well-earned recognition and for continuing to drive the future of transit with one innovation, one connection, and one team at a time.
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