Meet the Women In Parking 2015/2016 Leadership Board
May, 2015
The current stewards of the Women In Parking (WIP) association are committed to ensuring that its members gain the value intended. Along with each individual’s biography, you’ll learn, from some of the leaders, their views of being a part of the WIP Leadership Board. Please feel free to contact any of the following with your questions and feedback.
WIP Officers
Ruth Beaman, Executive Director of WIP; Co-Founder of IntegraPark
ruthbeaman@integrapark.com
Ruth Beaman comes to the parking software business with more than 25 years’ experience in accounting. She was with a major international parking company for more than 10 years as a Regional Accounting Manager. Beaman is a member of the International Parking Institute, National Parking Association and the Washington, DC, Parking Association.
“I continue to be thrilled and grateful with watching Women In Parking serve as a resource to both tenured and emerging leaders who want to better their careers and contribute to their organizations through improving gender diversity in the workplace.”
Colleen M. Niese, WIP Associate Director; Principal of The Marlyn Group
cniese@marlyngroupllc.com
Colleen M. Niese, with more than 20 years’ experience in the parking industry working with three national operators, has held a number of leadership positions either to oversee or drive the startup of a number of corporate support functions. In her role at The Marlyn Group, she partners with the shareholders, senior management and employees to help drive the company’s financial results through strategic planning, systems implementation and operational support.
“Since its inception, I’ve watched Women In Parking grow from a small group of women, led by John Van Horn, who had a vision of supporting gender diversity, to an established organization, where a large number of professionals have made connections, developed their careers, and brought financial value to their respective companies – all through their active involvement with WIP.”
Laura Longsworth, WIP Chairperson; Vice President of Parking Operations, Brookfield Properties
Laura.Longsworth@brookfield.com
Laura Longsworth is VP of Parking Operations for the commercial real estate corporation that owns, manages, and develops premier assets in the world’s most dynamic and resilient markets. In her role, she has furthered the firm’s commitment to sustainability, environmental friendliness and technological advancement for its parking operations.
“It is a great honor to take the Chair for Women In Parking. I’m quite confident that with the current board’s commitment and involvement of the membership, we will collectively take WIP to the next level in terms of value and continued success.”
Marcy Sparrow, WIP Treasurer; Advertising Director of Parking Today magazine and PIE Sales Manager
marcy@parkingtoday.com
Since March 2006, Marcy Sparrow has been Sales Director for Parking Today magazine and the Parking Industry Exhibition. PT is the largest circulation publication in the industry, with nearly 15,000 issues mailed each month. Its 19-year history brings a credibility that is sought and appreciated by the parking industry. She says PT helps parking industry professionals gain valuable information through excellence in editorial and advertising.
“Since 2011, I have been a WIP Founding Board Member and have held the Treasurer position since the association’s inception. I am so proud to be part of an organization that has grown exponentially in four years. I have developed relationships that are invaluable and met contacts who have helped advance me personally and professionally.”
Tiffany Yu, WIP Secretary; Marketing Specialist, Scheidt & Bachmann U.S.A.
yu.tiffany@scheidt-bachmann-usa.com
Recognizing the value of being an active member in the organization, Tiffany Yu doesn’t hold back when it comes to making a difference in the community. She brings with her a fresh perspective and positive energy about the future of parking, and she is excited to represent the next generation of game-changers.
“I learned early on that the difference between being a WIP member and being an active member is the difference between watching for change and actually being a part of the change. I choose to be part of the latter.”
WIP Board Members at Large
Lisa Bahr, Director of Global Marketing Communications, Cubic Transportation Systems
lisa.bahr@cubic.com
Lisa Bahr is the Director of Global Marketing Communications for Cubic, a leading integrator of payment and information technology and services for intelligent travel solutions. In her role, she leads the global marketing and communications team to further the company’s strategic initiatives in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia.
“I am proud to be a part of a group that aims to facilitate that change. The Leadership Board, led by Founder Ruth Beaman, is a dynamic group of inspiring women and men, who are changing the face of this industry – one woman at a time.”
Kirsten Dolan, President and COO of One Parking
kirsten@oneparking.com
Kirsten Dolan specializes in helping owners recognize the revenue potential of their parking assets. She has more than 25 years of experience operating and maximizing the revenue of parking assets. Previously responsible for the profitably and operations of more than 200 locations on the West Coast, Dolan now oversees the operational and financial aspects of the One Parking portfolio at the corporate level.
“I am looking forward to meeting more of the fascinating future women and men leaders in our industry and exchanging ‘war stories.’ Sharing experiences is one of the greatest gifts to shorten the learning curve and get a comforting laugh when you know someone else has been through it before and you are not alone.”
Kathryn Hebert,
President and CEO of Frontiers International; Director of Norwalk (CT) Parking Authority
President and CEO of Frontiers International; Director of Norwalk (CT) Parking Authority
khebert@norwalkct.org
A leader with more than 30 years’ experience in fiscal and financial management, marketing and strategic planning for various organizations, Kathryn Hebert provides advice on economic development and public policy by intersecting all sectors of the community. Working with national organizations, municipal commissions and diverse sectors, she has been successful in forming alliances by educating and directing groups for mutual economic benefit toward a sustainable future.
“Women In Parking opens doors and connects by mentoring, leadership and communication. I am proud to be part of a group, a team that fosters growth, opportunity and leadership, not only for its membership, but also for the betterment of our communities.”
Nicolle Judge,
President of SkyPark
President of SkyPark
njudge@skypark.com
Nicolle Judge is President of SkyPark, an off-airport parking facility serving San Francisco International Airport. She was part of the team that opened the company in 1987 and has served in many roles over the years, helping grow the business into the first-class operation that it is today. Judge has served on the NPA Board since 2008, and currently holds the Vice Chair position.
“I’d like to help other women grow and prosper in the parking industry by developing relationships that lead to their success.”
Alan B. Lazowski,
Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Laz Parking
Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Laz Parking
Alazowski@lazparking.com
Alan B. Lazowski co-founded Laz Parking in June 1981, while attending the University of Connecticut, and has grown it into a national hospitality parking company. He has received numerous professional honors, including the Wolff Family Entrepreneurship Program Award from the University of Connecticut, an NAACP Civil Rights Award, and a 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hartford Business Journal. He also is the Founder and Co-Chair of the Voices of Hope organization, created by descendants of Holocaust survivors.
“I am truly honored to be the first male elected to the WIP board. This most important, dynamic organization will change the face of the parking industry and inspire women worldwide to become a part of our industry.”
Michelle Porter,
Director of Parking & Transportation Services, Carnegie Mellon University
Director of Parking & Transportation Services, Carnegie Mellon University
mporter@andrew.cmu.edu
Michelle Porter, who has served as CMU Parking Director since 2007, is responsible for the management and operation of the department, including day-to-day management of the facilities and lot maintenance, acquisition and construction of new facilities, and the analysis and implementation of CMU parking strategies and solutions.
“Being a member of the WIP Board is rewarding, as it provides me an opportunity to be a part of a great group of women who share an interest/knowledge in the parking industry.”
Karen Pradhan, Product Manager for Skidata Inc.
Karen.Pradhan@skidata.com
Karen Pradhan has more than 30 years of experience in the parking industry, working for several parking equipment manufacturers. She has been Product Manager for Skidata since 2000. She has several responsibilities in Product Management and Marketing, and has developed the corporate Training program.
“It’s great to be associated with such a dynamic group of women
who share so much wisdom and business savvy that comes only with industry experience.”
who share so much wisdom and business savvy that comes only with industry experience.”
Michelle Wendler, a Principal with Watry Design
mwendler@watrydesign.com
Michelle Wendler, AIA, of Watry Design has been creating parking solutions for the firm’s clients for more than 24 years. Responsible for the design of 150-plus parking projects, she leads parking studies and parking structure design for the firm.
