“It’s challenging, so you have to plan ahead and be creative. But that’s why we’re here!”

Ephrem comes to Stony Brook University following 20 years in the field of parking management. Sixteen of these were at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, where this first generation college graduate received his bachelor of science degree in Sociology. 

While that might seem like an unlikely start to his career path, “My degree gave me the skills to analyze systems and data, and to know and understand people. It helped me grow as both an individual and a professional in my field.”

Ephrem’s experience in parking management began during his years of study, when he worked at the university to pay his college expenses as a parking attendant before making his way up through the ranks of parking management. “If you like logistics and customer service, this is a really interesting and sophisticated area to work in,” he states.

Recently, Ephrem achieved CAPP [Certified Administrator of Public Parking] certification, which is the highest internationally recognized credential for mobility and parking professionals. Now, he says he’s  looking forward to “bringing my experience and expertise to Stony Brook. Coming here was a way to develop my own self and skills as we implement new systems. Most of all, I’m excited to work alongside my helpful colleagues, and all kinds of different stakeholders across campus, as we look to enhance parking service and conditions to support the Stony Brook University and Medicine missions.”