Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Welcomes Gregory Deese as Director of Operations and Engineering

Tampa, FL (MAY 14, 2025) – The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is pleased to announce that Gregory Deese has been appointed to serve as the agency’s new Director of Operations and Engineering.

With over two decades of experience in civil engineering, construction, and maintenance, Deese brings significant knowledge and expertise to his new role at THEA. A licensed professional engineer, he has spent his career in public service with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Manatee County Port Authority.

For the past 19 years, Deese held several key roles within FDOT’s Tampa office. His experience includes managing the construction of major transportation projects across the Tampa Bay region, including the Gateway Expressway, the Howard Frankland Bridge replacement, and the Tampa Downtown Interchange. He also led FDOT’s bridge inspection and rehabilitation program, including preservation work on complex structures such as the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

In addition to his engineering leadership, Deese played a critical role in FDOT’s hurricane response efforts, directing emergency inspections and overseeing contracts to restore traffic quickly after storm damage.

“Greg brings a deep understanding of Florida’s transportation infrastructure and a demonstrated commitment to public service,” said Greg Slater, THEA’s CEO/Executive Director. “His servant leadership, engineering expertise, and strong focus on process improvement and customer service align perfectly with THEA’s mission and vision for the future.”

Deese is known for his innovative problem-solving, dedication to mentoring, and thought leadership. He served as project manager for the Tampa Westshore Interchange—the first phased design-build project in the state—and has participated in multiple FDOT task teams and speaking panels to improve construction practices statewide. He is also a passionate educator who has taught extensively at FDOT’s Construction Academy.

“I am eager to join the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority to serve as the Director of Operations and Engineering,” said Greg Deese. “I’m excited to work with Mr. Slater and his team to contribute to THEA’s goals and specifically find ways to improve THEA’s transportation facilities through engineering innovation, as well as to ensure preservation and resiliency of our roadway and bridge assets.”

Deese holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of South Florida. It was during his time in graduate school that he first connected with THEA—conducting thesis research on the construction of the agency’s Reversible Lanes bridge.

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