FPTA Member Profile - Tracie Saunders
We are excited to announce our new series of FPTA Member Profile blogs!
These Q&A features will highlight the experiences of some of our members, including their involvement with FPTA, experiences in the industry, and more. This week we are starting with FPTA Board Secretary Tracie Saunders. Tracie is the Manager of Parking Operations at the University of Central Florida Parking and Transportation office.
Check it out and stay tuned for future profiles!
FPTA Experience
How long as your organization been a member of FPTA?
I can trace our history back to 1995 with one of our current employees serving as President of the association during this time.
How did you become involved with FPTA?
My former boss invited me to Daytona for an introductory experience into the parking world. I attended and was completely entranced! I met a few people that have become great resources and colleagues. After my initial attendance, I signed up to be on the conference planning committee followed by the Carol Easterling Committee and then the educational committee. Needless to say, I have been involved ever since my first conference in 2008.
What value has your FPTA membership provided you for your career?
Being a member of FPTA has really helped me to grow as a professional. I have met so many resourceful and wonderful people who have helped me to grow as a parking professional. FPTA has been a foundation for me since I first started in parking and transportation. The educational sessions have been invaluable to me with my role as a supervisor to our front-line employees. The professional and personal relationships built from becoming a member cannot be priced!
What would be your advice to those organizations that are not yet a FPTA member?
I would recommend they become a member ASAP if they work within our field. FPTA offers such great opportunities, long-lasting relationships with other professionals, and is the number one parking association in the state. If you want to elevate your career or expand your knowledge, FPTA is the right choice.
Industry Outlook
How do you think the coronavirus could permanently impact parking, transportation, and mobility?
I think the impacts will be based on consumer behavior. More people are working from home now and not traveling as much so we may see more sustainable initiates than we did in pre-COVID. Mass transit may be impacted as more people are uneasy about sharing rides.
What new initiatives or technologies do you think will come as a result of the recent COVID-19 crisis?
Autonomous vehicle sales will increase. Improved “contactless” service for stakeholders. Robots will become our new contactless service
What is your organization’s return-to-the-workplace plan (if not already back)?
Working remotely is highly encouraged, masks required at all times while on campus, daily required COVID self-checker, social distancing, return to campus training required for all employees and students. Using PPE throughout campus.
What was your impression of work from home before this situation? What is it now?
Prior to COVID, I daydreamed (usually when the kids threw fits in the morning) to work from home. I finally got my wish! First, it was rough however once I got a routine down (myself and family), it started to run smoothly. I now enjoy splitting up my work week with a few days at home and a few at the office. It also allows more time in the evening for me to spend time with family instead of that time being used driving from work, kid pick up to home.
How is your organization fostering community and maintaining its culture from a distance?
Armour Up Knights is our COVID campaign. This initiative is dedicated to keeping employees and students safe while being on campus. We are ready to pivot to fully remote if we need to. UCF encourages virtual meetings when possible and we have a dedicated COVID line for questions or concerns.
