This month, we’re thrilled to shine the Parking Professional Spotlight on our very own Krista Olien! 

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Krista entered the parking industry in 2018, making the leap from her previous career as a high school math teacher, a role she held for seven years. Her love for numbers and problem-solving made the transition to The Parking Network (TPN) a natural fit. As an analyst, she was immediately drawn to the data side of parking operations—digging into numbers and uncovering how they influence the big picture of each unique parking environment. 

One of the most fascinating aspects of the parking industry is its complexity. No two garages or lots are exactly alike. Even neighboring garages can have entirely different layouts, procedures, and quirks. Krista embraced this complexity early on, dedicating herself to learning how every piece fits together. 

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A key part of her journey has been the mentorship and wisdom passed down by Clyde Wilson, TPN’s founder. Clyde’s 45+ years of industry experience have been invaluable to Krista and to our entire team. Over the past seven years, Krista has absorbed his knowledge, insight, and stories, helping her evolve into a well-rounded expert in the field. 

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Krista approaches challenges with a dual lens—analyzing both the broader strategy and the small, often-overlooked details that can make or break a parking operation. Her ability to zoom in and out allows her to find innovative, practical solutions. 

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In January 2025, Krista took on a new and exciting chapter in her journey: becoming the second president in TPN’s history, stepping into the role previously held by Clyde himself. These are big shoes to fill, but if anyone is up to the task, it's Krista. Her leadership, deep industry knowledge, tireless work ethic, and creative thinking make her the ideal person to guide TPN into its next era. 

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We’re incredibly proud to have Krista at the helm and grateful for everything she brings to our team! 

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