Experience and Insights from the APO Accreditation Process

Wednesday, September 16, 9:00 AM, Room: Columbia 4

This presentation highlights the journey by NC State University to become an Accredited Parking Organization (APO) through the International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI), and the role that an APO Site Reviewer plays throughout the process. Drawing from our recent experience, we will share practical strategies , challenges encountered, and innovative solutions developed during a six-month data collection, organization, and application process.

This session will review both aspects of the APO process: IPMI's recently introduced pilot matix of operational criteria and required on-site facility review. Attendees will gain insights into the critical steps required for IPMI accreditation, including documentation preparation, stakeholder engagement, challenges, coordination between the parking organization and APO site reviewer, and operational changes resulting from going through accreditation. The session will emphasize the value of partnership, the importance of planning, and the impact of continuous improvement on organizational success.

By reflecting on lessons learned, we aim to provide actionable guidance for others seeking to achieve APO status, fostering a culture of excellence and professional growth within the parking and mobility sector.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify key strategies for navigating the IPMI accreditation process and overcoming common challenges.

  • Apply collaborative approaches to stakeholder engagement and documentation preparation for organizational accreditation.

  • Implement continuous improvement practices that enhance operational effectiveness and support long-term accreditation success.

Matt Sumpter (Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.)

Matt Sumpter has 19 years of structural engineering experience, encompassing structural design, structural evaluation and rehabilitation design, construction administration, and project management—with a specific focus on parking structures.

He is accomplished in designing and repairing structural and waterproofing systems to prolong the life of parking structures. Matt also has experience performing strategic planning and parking management, including functional layout of parking, functional layout of signage, and parking studies.

He is a registered professional engineer, a certified Parksmart Advisor, and a certified APO Site Reviewer.

Connor Jones (NC State University)

Connor Jones is the Parking Services Manager at NC State University Transportation. With five years of experience in transportation, Connor has a varied background in both the parking and transit industries.

In his current role, Connor is responsible for permit management across NC State’s campus and oversight of the customer service and event teams. Connor brings a collaborative, data-informed approach to operations and is committed to delivering efficient, user-friendly parking solutions.


Kofi Thomas (NC State University)

Kofi Thomas is the Facility Planning Manager for NC State University with 28 years of experience in the parking and transportation industry, including 26 years in management and 5 years at NC State.

He specializes in short- and long-term facility maintenance planning, operational strategy, and building strong working relationships across teams. Kofi brings a practical, solutions-focused perspective to his work and values collaboration both in leadership and day-to-day operations.