2009 Limousine Chauffeur of the Year — James Lilley

San Francisco Man Named Limo Driver of the Year by National Transportation Association

(ROCKVILLE, Maryland)—The Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA) is pleased to announce it has named James Lilley of San Francisco, California, as the 2009 Limousine Chauffeur of the Year.

Lilley, who drives for Gateway Limousines Worldwide, has spent much of his lifetime learning about the finer things in life. A native of Louisiana, he studied fine arts at Baylor University in Texas, later landing a job in Washington, D.C. at the National Gallery of Art. From there, he went to New York where he studied acting at the same studio that also taught such greats as Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro.

He has also worked as a television film producer. While launching a photography business in California, Lilley looked around for part-time work and found Gateway. It was a perfect match, and it shows in the care he places in delivering the highest services to his clients, many of whom he says shape current events.

"It's an honor to facilitate the fulfillment of their often very demanding schedules," Lilley says. "And I get to have conversations with world leaders in their fields. I sometimes feel like Charlie Rose, the TV personality!"

Alfred LaGasse, Chief Executive Officer of the TLPA, says Lilley's attention to detail and commitment to top-notch service were readily evident in his nomination application.

"Here's a guy who can discuss world politics and critique the Impressionist painters, while at the same time making sure his passengers make it to their meetings on time. He just comes across as one class act who is truly dedicated to serving his clients," LaGasse says.

Outside of work, Lilley serves on the Board of Governors of the City Club of San Francisco, where he focuses on providing college scholarships for students graduating from public high schools. In his spare time, he is a consummate traveler and a food and wine aficionado, and his lifelong dream is to visit every major art museum in the world.

Lilley will accept the award on Oct. 6 in front of nearly 1,000 industry leaders at the TLPA's annual convention, held this year at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. This year marks the 91st Annual Convention & Trade Show for the TLPA, and is the world's largest gathering of for-hire fleet executives.

Established in 1917, the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA) is a non-profit trade association of and for the private passenger transportation industry. Its extensive membership spans the globe to include 1,000 taxicab companies, executive sedan and limousine services, airport shuttle fleets, non-emergency medical transportation companies, and paratransit services. For more information, please visit www.tlpa.org.