In a unanimous vote, the Board of Directors of the Miami Parking Authority (MPA) appointed Alejandra “Alex” Argudin, CAPP, as its next chief executive officer. She is a member of IPMI’s Board of Directors, currently serving as the organization’s treasurer.

Argudin becomes the first woman CEO of the MPA in its more than six decades of existence; she brings more than 13 years of experience with the Authority, nine as chief operations officer. In that capacity, she has led a number of forward-thinking initiatives that have positioned the Authority as a leader in the parking industry, including an increase in the utilization of PayByPhone in Miami from about 23 percent five years ago to an impressive 93 percent adoption rate. This success story has placed the MPA as the leading parking organization in volume of PayByPhone transactions in all of North America.

“Alex’s unique vision, experience, and transformational leadership style make her an excellent candidate to take the reins of the MPA at a time when advances in the industry are dramatically changing its operations,” says Thomas Jelke, chairman of the board. “She is prepared and uniquely qualified to step seamlessly into the role as CEO after successfully managing the operations of the MPA for the past nine years.”

As COO, Alex managed a staff of 150 and a budget of more than $40 million. More recently, she led the complex task of applying for and achieving Accredited Parking Organization (APO) designation and subsequently APO with Distinction from IPMI. These designations are awarded solely to organizations that have excelled in all categories of parking operations.

“I am deeply honored by the trust the board has placed in my abilities to lead the MPA in very exciting times in our industry,” says Argudin. “I will lead this organization, with the support of the board and our committed staff, with strength, transparency and conviction.”

She takes over the position as CEO immediately, following Art Noriega’s appointment as city manager of Miami; he served as CEO of the MPA for the past 20 years.

“Alex has absolutely earned this opportunity and I wholeheartedly applaud the board’s decision to select her as the next CEO of MPA ,” says Noriega. “She is an extraordinary leader who will use her experience, knowledge and passion to successfully see the organization through the leading-edge changes that lie ahead.”

Argudin is a graduate of Florida International University with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration. She earned the CAPP designation through IPMI, and LEED AP designation from the Green Building Council. She currently serves on the executive board of the WOW Center as their Treasurer.