Long-Time Park New Haven Head, Kilpatrick Announces Retirement
Authority’s long-time Executive Director, William E. Kilpatrick Leaves behind a Legacy of Change for Parking in the Elm City; David B. Panagore named Interim Executive Director
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — (January 18, 2013) — Park New Haven, which maintains and manages over 8,000 public parking spots across 7 garages and numerous surface facilities in Downtown New Haven, would like to announce the retirement of the Authority’s long-time Executive Director, William E. Kilpatrick, and the appointment of David B. Panagore as the organization’s Interim Executive Director.
Kilpatrick has been with the New Haven Parking Authority since 1987, serving on the Board of Directors as Commissioner, Treasurer, and eventually Chairman. He was named Executive Director of Park New Haven in July of 1994 and has served 20 years in that role. Kilpatrick will officially retire effective February 1st, 2013.
During Kilpatrick’s tenure, the New Haven Parking Authority saw immeasurable growth and significant changes in both the way New Haven was perceived of as a destination, and parking in the city. In addition to overseeing the management and operations of the Authority’s seven garage facilities, numerous surface parking lots across the city, and Union Station Transportation Center; Bill also was able to turn around the financial stability of the Authority, and generate lucrative financial partnerships for the organization. Over the last four (4) years alone, Park New Haven has gave back over $15 million to the City of New Haven, making the Authority self-sufficient, and one of the single largest generators of revenue for the City.
Over his 20 year as Executive Director, Bill oversaw some of the largest developments the Authority had even undertaken, including major renovations to the Crown Street and Temple Street Garages, installing new technology into the parking system, helping to bring Gateway Community College into Downtown New Haven, rolling out valet parking at Union Station, and most recently launching a new re-branding of the Authority as “Park New Haven” in the spring of 2012.
“Bill Kilpatrick had the unique ability to manage a complex organization handling thousands of hurried customers each day while balancing a range of political constituents and motivating a diverse staff. I can say that in my time here on the board – and handling lots of tough situations – I have never had a conversation or meeting with Bill that was anything but friendly, open and often tinged with a healthy sense of fun and irony, said Park New Haven Board Chairman, Matthew Nemerson. “I really don’t know anyone in the city who has been as widely respected for his daily efforts and achievements with limited resources and in an unglamorous role. He has engineered the process of moving the Authority from a low-cost provider of spaces to a well branded competitive profit center with enthusiasm and aplomb. After 25 years of dealing with him in many ways, I can’t believe he won’t be here next month. Bill made being a civic volunteer a pleasure,” added Nemerson.
During Kilpatrick’s tenure he was also able to establish strong partnerships with community groups such as; Market New Haven, Town Green Special Services, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, the Shubert Theater, and the Tennis Tournament.
Prior to his tenure with the Authority, Kilpatrick served as a Vice President and Corporate Loan Officer with Connecticut National Bank. He worked there successfully for over twenty-three years before taking the reins of the Parking Authority from former Executive Director DiDammo. A lifelong native of New Haven, Bill attended Wilbur Cross High School, the University of New Haven, and served three (3) years in the United States Army. He has touched the lives of many in the Greater New Haven community, being actively involved in the social, political, and economic development of New Haven for many years. Over the years, socially and civically, Kilpatrick has been involved with organizations such as; The Black Coalition, Heritage Hall Development Corporation, United Negro College Fund (UNCF), National Association of Urban Bankers (NAUB), The Freddie Fixer Parade Committee, Urban League of Greater New Haven, Boy Scouts of America, and the South Central Area Agency for the Aging.
Kilpatrick also is active on the National Board of Directors for The National Parking Association (NPA), serving as Vice Chairman of Governmental, Institutional and Nonprofit Division Board of Governors. He also is a part of the International Parking Institute (IPI).
“I’ve had the honor of serving the Parking Authority and its customers for 26 years now. During my time I’ve had privilege of working with an extraordinary Board of Directors, and a group of staff who were committed to excellence in the work we did daily. I have had an amazing career and couldn’t ask for anything more,” said William Kilpatrick. “I felt this was the right time for me to retire, and that I’m leaving the Parking Authority in great hands with our committed Board and Senior Staff focused on continued growth and forward progress when it comes to parking in New Haven,” added Kilpatrick.
Taking over for Kilpatrick in an interim role will be former City of Hartford, Chief Administrative Officer, David B. Panagore. In Hartford, Panagore managed more than 2,200 staff and the city’s $554 million budget, leading the City through a significant mayoral transition period. Since 1997, Panagore has severed in various roles within both quasi-governmental and municipal agencies, including the role of Chief Development Officer for the City of Springfield (MA), Senior Program Manager for the San Jose (CA) Redevelopment Agency, and Project Director for the Boston Redevelopment Authority.
“I’m thrilled to be here, ready to hit the ground running and help this agency continue on a path towards continuing to grow parking here in the Elm City,” said David Panagore. “I understand what great progress Mr. Kilpatrick and his team have made over the past 20 years, and I look forward to working hand-in-hand with this great staff and Board,” added Panagore.
A national search for a permanent replacement to assume the Executive Director position will be conducted by the Parking Authority Board of Directors this year.
A retirement party and celebration of Kilpatrick’s career and service to the Authority will be held on tonight at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale in Downtown New Haven.
For more information on Park New Haven please visit www.parknewhaven.com.