AROUND THE INDUSTRY

Walker Consultants Announces New President, Managing Director

Walker Consultants announced that the Board of Directors named Dave Ryan, PE, as President and Chief Executive Officer; and Robert “Bob” Stanley, PE, NSPE, LEED AP BD +C, as Managing Director.

Ryan was promoted to President and COO in September 2020 and has been with Walker since 1998 where his career in the company began as an internship with the Chicago-based office.

“Dave will continue to provide strong leadership and stability through his common-sense perspective, genuine, personable style, and candor that naturally generates trust with people.” says, John Bushman, who has been CEO since 2003 and will remain as Chairman of the Board. Ryan has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois and over 23 years of experience in the industry working with clients in the public and private sectors.

Stanley will oversee Walker’s Western Region office locations providing professional services within 12 states. He joined Walker in 1996 and has held several leadership positions within the company in addition to several professional and technical societies over the last 27 years. His experience spans all aspects of Walker services including new design, restoration, parking consulting, studies, master planning, and car park management systems.

Bockbrader Joins Oobeo, Inc. as Commercial Sales Leader

Oobeo, Inc., announced the hiring of Michael Bockbrader as its new director of sales, commercial. Bockbrader, a commercial real estate and strategic procurement professional, brings more than 25 years of sales and business management expertise to Oobeo, an independent subsidiary of Toledo-based Toledo Ticket Technologies.

“We welcome Mike to the team. As a self-starter, Mike understands what commercial clients are looking for. His expertise in the commercial real estate sector is an asset as we look to grow Oobeo’s parking solutions footprint where its technology can benefit vendors and consumers alike,” said Dave Dorner, executive vice president for both Oobeo, Inc. and Toledo Ticket Technologies.

Bockbrader will work with Oobeo’s team in identifying new opportunities to advance sales of its self-parking software solutions in cities throughout the U.S., starting in Ohio.

“I am excited to join Oobeo. There are so many opportunities for Oobeo’s technology to be implemented in cities and commercial real estate venues across the U.S. Its platform has solutions that are unique and cost effective for businesses, and I look forward to having those conversations and increasing Oobeo’s sales and partnerships,” he said.

He started his new position with Oobeo on Dec. 1, 2021. Prior to this, he served as senior vice president at Sperry CGA—Treasure and Associates in Columbus, Ohio, where he was responsible for selling and/or leasing commercial real estate properties to many different clients including industrial, office, land, multifamily, retailer and portfolio transactions. He leased or sold more than $5 million in property values annually. Bockbrader holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The University of Toledo and is a licensed real estate agent in Ohio. He and his wife, Elizabeth, along with their family reside in Grandview Heights, Ohio.

Blink Charging Names Amy Dobrikova Vice President of Fleet Solutions

BLINK CHARGING CO. announced the appointment of accomplished transportation and automotive industry executive, Amy Dobrikova as vice president of fleet solutions.

Dobrikova boasts an impressive career of over a decade in the transportation and automotive industry, which she brings to Blink to develop and execute a go-to-market plan in this important sector, driving U.S. fleet sales with municipalities, corporations, institutions, and other operators with multi-vehicle fleets transitioning to electric powertrains.

“Electrifying fleets is a critical component of any EV deployment strategy, and we are thrilled to have Amy join us as VP of Fleet Solutions to grow and deliver the necessary charging infrastructure to a broad range of customers,” said Brendan Jones, president of Blink Charging. “Expansion of our fleet products further positions Blink as a leader in the industry, as well as the global push for electrified transportation. We are confident that Amy will be a key partner in growing Blink’s footprint in the fleet industry.”

Dobrikova commented, “I am extremely excited to join Blink and play a role in the expansion of its fleet solutions. At this pivotal moment of growth for the EV industry, Blink is poised to play a leading role in the expansion of EV charging and the transition to sustainable transportation. I look forward to leveraging my professional experience to bring Blink’s advanced charging technology to public and private fleets alike.”

Prior to joining Blink, she most recently served as vice president of channel sales at Cardone Industries, an aftermarket auto parts manufacturer. At Cardone, Dobrikova was responsible for launching Cardone’s fleet direct sales program, exponentially increasing sales and developing relationships with leading fleets.

ParkMobile Services Expanded to Offer Parking Reservations for OHIO Football Games

PARKMOBILE is now offering contactless parking reservations at Ohio University. This football season, students, faculty, and visitors will be able to reserve parking via ParkMobile in 500 off-street spaces in advance of games. Ohio University has been using ParkMobile for zone parking on campus so the integration of reservations should be a seamless transition for the Athens and university community.

ParkMobile has over 28 million users, is available for both iPhone and Android, and can be accessed on the web at https:// parkmobile.io/. Reserving a parking space is quick and easy.

ParkMobile’s collaboration with Ohio University expands the company’s footprint in the state where there are currently over 513,000 users. The app is also used in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland and other midwestern cities such as Chicago, Indianapolis, and Madison.

“We’re excited to be utilizing ParkMobile’s reservation feature to help eliminate traffic congestion on gameday,” says Tia Hysell, director of transportation and parking services at Ohio University. “ParkMobile is already used across campus, so our football fans and guests are already familiar with the app and will be able to enjoy their visit without stressing about day-of parking.”

“Ohio University is a new market for us and further adds to our growing list of colleges and universities on the platform” adds Jeff Perkins, CEO for ParkMobile. “Our reservation tool is a great way to keep campus traffic-free on gameday, so we are thrilled to have Ohio University as part of our team.”

Propark Mobility Announces Appointment of Alexander Piech to Regional Vice President

Propark Mobility announced that the company has promoted Alexander Piech to regional vice president of the company’s New Jersey region.

“Alexander Piech is a client-focused professional, who brings a great deal of value through his acute attention to detail and service-oriented approach to parking management,” said John Reimers, Propark Mobility’s chief operating officer. “As his career has progressed with Propark Mobility, he has successfully grown the New Jersey region, while optimizing client revenues, minimizing expense, and implementing award-winning service initiatives.”

Alexander joined Propark Mobility in October of 2011, first serving as area manager, which included the successful launch of a new airport parking brand in the New Jersey marketplace. His responsibilities grew to encompass the entire New Jersey region, as Alexander was promoted to regional manager, where his performance excelled across asset verticals resulting in enhanced profitability for clients and increased guest satisfaction scores. Alexander’s detailed knowledge of the New Jersey market, coupled with his clear understanding of, and focus on, client needs through consistent communication were factors that propelled his promotion to regional vice president.

“I can say without reservation that nobody understands the nuances of the New Jersey parking marketplace quite like Alex Piech,” said Kristen Sokich, executive vice president of Propark Mobility. “Our clients and stakeholders directly benefit from Alex’s exceptional service delivery standards and ability to optimize bottom line revenue, regardless of the asset type or marketplace conditions, including his outstanding leadership as we navigated the global COVID-19.

FAAC Appoints Bovalino CEO of Parking Business Line, North America

FAAC GROUP appointed Luca Bovalino, CEO of HUB Parking Technology North America, as CEO of all the Parking Business Line in North America, which includes HUB Parking Technology, TIBA Parking Solutions, Signature Control Systems (SCS) and Automated Time Instruments (ATI).

Bovalino will lead HUB Parking, TIBA LLC, SCS and ATI. His appointment will accelerate synergies and integration between the organizations under one leadership, further strengthening FAAC corporate commitment to the business and financial stability.

The goal of the new organization is to increase the Company market leadership in technology, quality, and services, while offering North American parking operators consistent solutions and the best customer experience.

The integration of the aforementioned parking teams was carefully phased, in order to smooth processes, identify areas of collaboration, and guide opportunities that would require cross-functional attention.

“Earlier this year, we have enthusiastically welcomed TIBA and their valued partners onboard. Along the past few months, we have reconfirmed the organization’s extensive experience, high level of customer service, and solid expertise of the market. Today, we believe that consolidating the leadership will bring more short-term benefits to our customers, and bolster our capability to meet the future needs of the parking community.” says Luca Cervato, parking business unit director.