As Brightspot’s Senior Vice President of People, Mission & Culture, Parker oversees the company’s people operations, focusing on developing and implementing strategies that empower employees to thrive in their roles and support their long-term professional and personal growth. Simultaneously, he works on fostering an inclusive, growth-oriented and collaborative culture within the organization. Since joining Brightspot in 2013, Parker has also been instrumental in guiding the company’s community partnerships, particularly in support of its three charitable pillars — people with intellectual disabilities, youth and wounded veterans. Through these partnerships, Brightspot provides employees with meaningful opportunities to serve their community.
Prior to joining Brightspot, Parker worked on Capitol Hill for former Congressman Tom Perriello (VA-5) and worked as the Northern Virginia Regional Field Director for President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign. In 2011, he played a pivotal role at Special Olympics, where he implemented the inaugural Unified Sports Experiences at the Special Olympics World Games in Athens, Greece. These exhibition competitions, which pair individuals with and without intellectual disabilities as teammates, aim to break down barriers and celebrate the ideals of inclusion. Parker began his career in the classroom as a Teach For America corps member, teaching 7th and 8th grade social studies and reading at Glendale American in Glendale, Arizona.
Parker graduated with highest honors from the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Government and Economics. He later earned a master’s degree in Secondary Education from Arizona State University.
