Unsung Heroes: Coby Wagman, City of West Hollywood

Operator. Builder. Fixer. Leader.

In every industry, there are the people you see in the spotlight—and then there are the people who make sure the spotlight works in the first place. They don’t chase recognition. They don’t ask for the mic. But when something breaks, stalls, or needs to be reimagined from the ground up, they’re the first to roll up their sleeves and quietly get to work.

Coby Wagman is one of those people.

Today, as Parking Operations Supervisor for the City of West Hollywood, Coby is at the center of one of the most demanding municipal environments in the country. Residents, businesses, and visitors alike have high expectations, and everything—from signage to enforcement, from permit rules to event logistics—is constantly under the microscope. In this kind of environment, the smallest operational hiccup can escalate quickly. There’s no margin for error, and no time for guesswork.

That’s where Coby thrives. He doesn’t just survive under pressure—he performs. With an uncanny ability to spot problems before they surface, isolate root causes, and quietly mobilize teams and resources, Coby solves issues before most even know they exist. His work is detailed, proactive, and grounded in the belief that operational excellence is the highest form of public service.

Before stepping into municipal operations, Coby built his career in higher education—starting as Parking and Transportation Supervisor at the University of San Diego, his alma mater. There, he didn’t just oversee daily parking logistics; he collaborated across departments to modernize campus policy, implement new tools, and drive measurable improvements. It was at USD where Coby first honed his tactical approach: hands-on, systems-minded, and laser-focused on outcomes.

From there, he became Director of Parking and Transportation at Loyola Marymount University, a role that took his skill set to an entirely new level. With thousands of spaces, multiple shuttle routes, complex traffic patterns, and daily stakeholder demands, LMU’s transportation ecosystem required both vision and grit. Coby didn’t just manage it—he streamlined it. His ability to anticipate problems, design efficient workflows, and execute at scale became a hallmark of his approach.

That experience now fuels his work in West Hollywood. As Parking Operations Supervisor, Coby brings a tactical mindset to every aspect of the job—from policy upgrades and enforcement workflows to technology deployment and frontline support. His fingerprints are on nearly every operational improvement the city’s parking program has seen in recent years. He’s not content with keeping things running—he’s always asking what can run better, cleaner, smarter. And then he makes it happen.

Coby doesn’t just identify problems—he builds blueprints to solve them. Whether it's modernizing outdated systems, coordinating across departments, or responding to high-pressure, high-visibility issues, he approaches every task with clarity and control. Ask anyone who works with him, and they’ll tell you: if something seems too complex to fix, give it to Coby.

And his impact didn’t stop at city limits. Coby also recently served as the Social Media Chair for the California Mobility & Parking Association (CMPA), where he helped spotlight innovation, share operational insights, and elevate peers across the industry. As always, his goal wasn’t the spotlight—it was the work. And making the industry better, bit by bit.

“Coby’s the kind of person every operation hopes to have. He sees what others miss, acts quickly, and builds trust through consistency and results.” said Vince Guarino, Parking Services Manager for the City of West Hollywood. “Our team is stronger because of him.”

So today, we take a moment to give credit where it’s long overdue. Coby Wagman isn’t chasing attention. He’s not chasing the spotlight. But in a field where real execution is often undervalued, he stands out for exactly that reason—because he gets things done. Thoughtfully. Thoroughly. And better than just about anyone else.

And make no mistake: he’s one of the key reasons that spotlight is still shining.

Unsung Heroes: Recognizing the Real Industry Movers

Unsung Heroes is an initiative by Athena Partners Strategy Group that highlights the individuals who make a real impact in the parking, mobility, and transportation industries—often quietly from behind the scenes. These are the doers, the problem-solvers, and the quiet forces behind meaningful progress. We are always looking for the next industry professional to spotlight, and we invite anyone in the industry to submit their nominations. If you know someone who deserves recognition for their hard work and dedication, reach out to us anytime—we’re committed to showcasing those who truly drive change.

About Athena Partners Strategy Group 

Athena’s exclusive focus on parking technology delivers unmatched insight and results, proven by hundreds of success stories from industry leaders who have transformed their operations with our expertise. As a premier technology representation and consultancy, APSG leverages a specialized network of partners to guide organizations in developing new business and launching innovative solutions across parking, transportation, curb management, rideshare, law enforcement, public safety, and EV charging sectors. Learn more at athenapsg.com.

Written by Nick Stanton, Managing Partner, Athena Partners Strategy Group info@athenapsg.com