Patrick Goddard
President
Miami Connection
Goddard spearheaded Brightline's operations starting in Miami, connecting the city to key South Florida stops and Orlando, easing I-95 traffic and introducing modern intercity rail after over a century. His board role on the Miami Downtown Development Authority drives transit-oriented development, including over 1.5 million square feet of projects reshaping downtown Miami. Partnerships like the upcoming PortMiami station enhance cruise passenger access, boosting tourism and economic ties across South Florida.
About
Originally from Ireland, Patrick Goddard holds degrees in business and hospitality from Trinity College Dublin and Technological University Dublin. He built a career in hospitality with roles at Rosewood, Loews, and Hilton, and founded Trust Hospitality and Ocean Blue before joining Brightline. In Miami for two decades with his wife and two sons, he led Brightline's launch in 2018, expanding service from Miami through Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando, with plans for Tampa and beyond. His leadership delivered the $2.7 billion Orlando extension and Basecamp, a $100 million maintenance facility at Orlando International Airport. Goddard serves on influential boards including the Florida Council of 100, Leadership Florida, Miami Downtown Development Authority, and Orlando Sports Commission. He currently leads Brightline as President from Miami.