Channa Phillips

What is something you enjoy about being a Mobility Pathfinder that you did not expect? I didn't expect how quickly the connections would feel genuine. The openness and willingness to share experiences has been incredibly empowering. 

When you are not managing parking, what is something you love spending time on? I love hiking, camping, reading, and baking. Spending time outdoors helps me reset, recharge, and decompress from a demanding role. I also enjoy getting creative in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes and making sourdough bread. Fun fact: I’ve won our work cookie contest the past two years!

What upcoming industry changes are you feeling most energized about? I’m energized by the shift toward mobility integration, moving beyond just parking and thinking more holistically about how people move through a district. It’s no longer just about storing vehicles; it’s about creating seamless access through technology, real-time data, EV infrastructure, micromobility, and thoughtful design. We’re being asked to think about the full customer journey, from planning their trip, to arrival, to payment, to safety and wayfinding. That evolution challenges us to be more innovative, more strategic, and more collaborative with cities and private partners, and that’s where I see the future of our industry.

What is a recent moment, big or small, that has made you smile? A recent moment that made me smile was realizing how much I’ve grown in setting clearer boundaries and expectations as a leader. In a demanding role, it can be easy to take on too much or overextend for the team, but I’ve learned that being intentional about priorities, communicating expectations clearly, and holding space for myself actually makes the team stronger and operations smoother. It reminded me that growth isn’t just for our teams; it is something we practice for ourselves too, and those small shifts can have a big impact on both work and well-being.

What is something people are most surprised to learn about you? People are often surprised to learn that I bring a bit of Midwest friendliness from Wisconsin to everything I do. I’ve been told my face can look serious or unapproachable, but I genuinely love greeting people, saying hello, and going out of my way to make everyone feel welcome and included. I’m also naturally introverted, though friends often describe me as “extroverted.” The truth is, I’m more outgoing once I get to know people, but with new faces, I am quite shy and quiet. Once you do get to know me, though, my warmth and energy usually shine through!