SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Parker's has named Stephen Hines as chief technology officer. The convenience store chain also has brought its communications in house through the hiring of Lou Phelps and has promoted manager Susan Mondello to district manager.
In his new position, Hines will be responsible for overseeing and managing all current technologies for Parker's. He will ensure that all technology-related decisions are aligned with the company's business goals, build the internal IT department to support the company's growth and maintain all processes, procedures and documentation for internal IT systems.
Most recently, Hines was owner of Innovative Sync, a managed service provider to small- and medium-sized companies in Savannah, Ga. While there, he supported all aspects of the Parker's technology infrastructure as a vendor.
"We are excited to welcome Stephen to the Parker's family," said Greg Parker, president and CEO of The Parker Cos., also based in Savannah "He brings a tremendous wealth of IT knowledge and experience to our company."
Parker's also has named Louise D. "Lou" Phelps as director of corporate communications, a new position for the company.
"As Parker's continues its rapid growth pattern, and prepares for significant future expansion, it was time to build a professional, internal communications department. Lou was the right fit for our company at this important juncture," said Parker.
Phelps will oversee internal and external communications; the company's brand and image; charitable giving; Parker's 'Fueling the Community' program of donations to both public and private schools in the 13 counties of the company's operations; and work with the company's strategic partners on special events.
She owns Coastal Empire News, Savannah, but has removed herself from all news operations. She is also the owner of Phelps, Cutler & Associates, Consultants to Media, founded in 1991, which provides training, general operations and mergers and acquisition services to the U.S. media industry
"I've known Lou a long time, and respected both her writing ability and knowledge of our region. She brings a blend of deep relationships with our media partners and civic, business and Chamber leadership, as well as 24 years of national business experience with both publicly-traded and privately held media companies. She has successfully worked with companies as they have gone through transitions, mergers, acquisitions and growth, and will be a valuable member of our outstanding management team," Parker said.
And Parker's recently promoted Mondello to district manager. In her new position, she will oversee all Statesboro, Metter and Lyons, Ga., markets. She will be responsible for maintaining the Parker's brand throughout these markets, and overseeing the daily operations. Mondello's leadership will help make sure Parker's is able to maximize market share, as many of her stores are new to the area.
Mondello began working with Parker's in 2010. During her time as store manager, she fostered a culture of development, promoting numerous customer service representatives to leadership positions, and most notably, developed two of her leaders to store managers.
"Susan brings a wealth of knowledge to the Parker's family," said Parker. "She has vast experience in this industry and an excellent track record of fostering longstanding customer relationships."
Parker's currently operates 34 c-stores in seven counties throughout southeastern Georgia and South Carolina and sells Parker's proprietary brand gasoline.
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