BWEP | Business Women Empowerment Project, Inc. | The Power of Connections
Special Guest Speakers and Panelist
Dior Davis
Dior Luxe Queen HoneyBee, the CEO of Truth Honey, a prestigious Luxury Honey Brand recognized by Forbes Magazine, has a unique distinction. She is the first urban woman beekeeper to be featured on the Weather Channel TV Show Patrrn, a testament to her pioneering spirit and dedication to her craft. The inception of Truth Honey was not just about creating a unique product, but about a mission. Dior's vision was to enhance understanding of Agriculture and sustainability within the community. But it did not stop there. Dior recognized the importance of promoting individuals, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, inspiring her to advocate for holistic health engagement amongst diverse demographics.
Tiffany Callaway Ferrell
Tiffany Callaway Ferrell was named vice president of operations for Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas in 2020. She is responsible for day-to-day operations, including safety, compliance, operational excellence and financial performance, for more than 700,000 customers across two states. Her previous leadership roles for Atlanta Gas Light, Southern Company Gas and Georgia Power include General Manager of Shared services; director of regional operations; Metro Atlanta, regional manager, Central Georgia and automated meter reading; asset protection manager; operations manager of liquid natural gas facilities; and senior Federal Energy Regulatory Commission advisor.
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This commitment to well-being sets Truth Honey apart, reshaping perceptions and consumption behaviors surrounding honey. Driven by a steadfast commitment to luxury and excellence, Dior is a revered authority in luxury branding and marketing, earning comparisons to the pioneering entrepreneur Madam CJ Walker for her groundbreaking contributions to the honey industry. She oversees operations at her Luxury Branding and Marketing Firm, embodying the motto " If your look is not becoming to you, then you should be coming to me to Luxe Your Brand. Dior holds a masters degree in business administration with a specialization in mass communication within business management/HR, and is a certified business coach in marketing/branding for aspiring entrepreneurs.
​Ferrell received her chemical engineering degree from Vanderbilt University and was awarded the Gertrude Vanderbilt Scholarship. She earned a Master of Business Administration at Robinson School of Business, Georgia State University, where she was selected as a Nita Robinson Scholar and served as an adjunct professor. Ferrell serves her community through numerous board leadership positions and volunteer roles with several organizations including the Regional Business Coalition, Committee for a Better Atlanta, Atlanta Business League, Hedera Foundation, Inc., National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter, and East Lake Women's Alliance. She recently recieved the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Service for serving over 6,000 volunteer hours. Tiffany and her family live in Metro Atlanta. She spends her free time with her family and is actively engaged in her community through her church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
Janean Armstrong
Has been in the financial industry for over 25 years. She began her banking career with Bank One in Houston, TX. Janean was employed at SunTrust, now Truist Bank for 15 years. She was promoted to a Region Executive in February 2018, leading a team of over ninety branches and over five hundred teammates in the Maryland and Northern Virginia Market. Janean joined Wells Fargo in March 2019 and was responsible for several counties in South Atlanta. She joined VyStar as the Market President for Georgia March 2023. Janean is known for being an incredible coach and developing others to reach their full potential, which has been her legacy in her banking career. She believes people, process and precision are the three pillars in creating a successful team. Janean has held several board positions in the Atlanta community and believes in giving back. She is active in the community and has mentored girls with the I Am B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L nonprofit organization.
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Janean is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a member of the 100 Black Women of Metropolitan Atlanta, where she previously served as the group’s treasurer and currently serves on the Board of Directors. Janean is a graduate of Grambling State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a Minor in Marketing. Janean is married to her husband Tony, she has two dogs Bella and Ace, and she has one daughter Kourtney. In her spare time, she loves spending time with family and friends.
Emilie O'Leary
Emilie Oxel O'Leary is first and foremost an entrepreneur with a pioneering force in the solar and renewable energy industry, dedicated to revolutionizing waste management and sustainability. As the CEO and owner of Green Clean Solar, she leads a team committed to tackling the growing issue of solar and wind waste, focusing on landfill diversion, decommissioning projects, and sustainable recycling solutions. With decades of experience in the industry, Emilie has built a reputation as a trailblazer, advocating for responsible end-of-life practices in renewable energy while fostering a diverse workforce. Before founding Green Clean Solar, Emilie successfully built and sold a solar mechanical installation company. Her company became a trusted partner for large-scale solar projects across the nation, earning recognition as master installers for Fortune 500 companies, universities, and military bases. Her early career also includes a high-profile solar carport installation at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta-a project that shaped her commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Beyond her business achievements, Emilie is a passionate advocate for industry change. She frequently speaks at conferences and mentors the next generation of clean energy leaders, including students at the University of Georgia. Furthermore, she works closely with EPCs (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction companies), owners, and manufacturers to advance responsible recycling practices. Her mission is to ensure that the renewable energy sector not only produces clean power but also upholds its promise of environmental stewardship. Mega Watts to Mega Waste is her call to action-a deep dive into the often-overlooked reality of solar waste and the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the industry.
Valerie Nesbitt
Valerie Nesbitt is the Director of Supplier Inclusion & Sustainability at Norfolk Southern, where she leads initiatives to ensure that the company’s contracts provide maximum opportunities for small and diverse businesses. She also serves as the sustainability liaison for the sourcing team, working with suppliers to develop strategies that reduce the company’s carbon footprint. With over 30 years of experience in supply chain management and supplier inclusion, Valerie has held leadership roles at prominent organizations such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, Martin Marietta, and General Electric. Valerie takes great pride in the impact of her work, especially in creating lasting change. Among her many achievements, she is most proud of enhancing the Supplier Inclusion programs at Norfolk Southern and Delta Air Lines. Her leadership in these initiatives not only strengthened the companies' supply chains but also built meaningful relationships with diverse firms across the country.
Additionally, in honor of the late Maynard H. Jackson Jr., she created the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Legacy Awards at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—an event that celebrates the contributions of minority contractors and promotes inclusion within the industry. Valerie's work reflects her commitment to shaping a more inclusive future, and she is proud of the lasting legacy she is building for future generations. A native of Aiken, South Carolina, Valerie is a lifetime Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD), and Contract Compliance Administrator (CCA). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and a Master’s in Public Administration from Golden Gate University. Valerie is committed to community service, serving on the board of directors for both the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council and the Atlanta Business League. A life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a devoted member of Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral, she is passionate about advancing inclusion, serving others, and making a meaningful impact in her community through both her professional and personal efforts. Valerie and her husband, Donas, reside in Smyrna, Georgia.
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Makeda Matthews
Meet Makeda Matthews, the Senior Manager of Supplier Diversity at Delta Air Lines, where she is helping to build one of the industry’s best and most innovative supplier diversity programs. Her focus on excellence and innovation has made her one of “The 05 Most Influential Women in D&I to Follow, 2023”.
In addition to her work at Delta, Makeda is also a member of several professional organizations and serves as the Chief Network Director of the Black Career Women’s Network. She is a sought-after speaker and has presented at several conferences and events nationwide, including various Regional Partner Organizations of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), as well as WBENC’s National Conference and Business Fair. She has collected various accolades and has been featured in numerous publications. This cover story narrates Makeda Matthews’ journey, her contributions to Delta Air Lines, and her thoughts on success, innovation, and integrity.
Constance Stone
Constance Stone – IT Compliance Manager | Entrepreneur | Speaker | Advocate
From teenage mother to an award winning IT Compliance leader in the legal cannabis industry, Constance Stone is the embodiment of resilience, reinvention, and unapologetic growth. She currently leads data compliance initiatives at TerrAscend, where she pioneers data governance, system audit protocols, and equitable tech practices across an evolving, highly regulated industry. Constance is an entrepreneur’s leading business to include a real estate enterprise, a cleaning company, and a credit repair platform that empowers individuals to take control of their financial futures. Her passion for community is evident through her bi-annual “Feed the Homeless” initiative and her consistent mentorship of women navigating professional and personal pivots.
Constance uses her platform to speak openly about transformation, healing, and building a legacy despite adversity. She was named Woman of the Year, Leader of the Year and one of the top 50 powerful women in Atlanta by ATL Plus Magazine. A true testament to her advocacy and leadership. Her voice has been featured in corporate trainings, museum events, and empowerment summits across the Southeast. Constance’s story isn’t just about success it’s about powerfully reclaiming purpose, making bold pivots, and leading others to do the same.
Neisha Rogers
Neisha Rogers is a media strategist, communication coach, and the powerhouse behind Finding Your Niche with Neish—a podcast platform that helps people own their voice and provides strategies and practical tools to living a life of purpose. With over a decade in the broadcasting and production industry, Neisha has produced shows for major television networks, is highly sought-out for her transformative interviewing skills from national platforms like BET+, and has sat across from high-profile names such as T.I., Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Tamika D. Mallory, and 8-figure business earners and more for her ability to draw out substantial insight through conversation. Through her communication coaching programs, online courses, and full-service podcast production packages, Neisha helps female entrepreneurs go from overwhelmed and unclear to confident communicators with standout personal brands.
From directing multi-day media camps for youth to leading high-impact fireside chats at major conferences and curating viral-worthy content for women-led brands, Neisha is known for creating elevated media and conversation experiences. She’s a two-time award-winning creative and Founder of Freed Minds Productions, a creative media company that produces professional, story-driven video content for entrepreneurs, influencers, and organizations ready to elevate their brand through intentional storytelling. Her work lives at the intersection of authenticity, alignment, and audacity—helping women not only be seen but be remembered. At her core, Neisha equips women to speak up, show up, and scale—without compromising their values.
Kibibi Wanzu, MD
Dr. Kibibi Wanzu is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with over 8 years of experience providing care to patients in the Atlanta area. Dr. Wanzu received her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Temple University after receiving her undergraduate degree from Florida State University. She then served a three-year residency at The Department of Veterans Affairs with a focus on foot and ankle surgery as well as regenerative and cosmetic procedures of the foot, leg, and ankle. Dr Wanzu has dedicated her career to improving the health and well-being of her patients through a combination of traditional and holistic approaches. Dr. Wanzu has extensive experience in podiatric surgery, sports medicine, aesthetic foot and leg procedures, as well as a deep understanding of the connections between foot health and overall wellness.
In 2023, Dr. Wanzu decided to expand her practice to open Inspire Aesthetics & Wellness a medical spa, foot spa, and wellness center at Atlantic Station that is rapidly gaining popularity for its innovative approach to healthcare and beauty. She aimed to create a space where patients could receive medical and aesthetic treatments in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Dr. Wanzu’s expertise in podiatry has proven to be a valuable asset to her new venture. Foot health is an essential aspect of overall wellness, and Dr. Wanzu’s team of podiatrists, medical nail technicians, and massage therapists are highly skilled at addressing the unique needs of each patient.
Terinee Pooler
Terinee Pooler is a dynamic technology leader, venture capital investor, and champion of innovation with a deep expertise in data management, analytics, and strategic communications. With a career spanning top technology firms such as Datadog, New Relic, and PatientPop, she has built a reputation for exceeding customer expectations, driving business growth, and fostering long-term client relationships. Her ability to manage enterprise-level accounts, negotiate high-value contract renewals, and contribute to pipeline expansion has positioned her as a trusted partner and revenue accelerator in the industry.
Beyond her corporate success, Terinee is committed to shaping the future of technology and investing in underrepresented founders. As a venture capital fellow for Equity Wings, Colorwave, and Women in Alternative Investments, she actively champions diversity in the investment landscape, ensuring that innovative ideas from minority entrepreneurs receive the funding and mentorship they deserve.
Jamila Moore, M. Ed., Esq.
Ever felt overwhelmed by running a business and its legal complexities? Unsure what steps to take in your business to drive success? That's where Jamila Moore, M. Ed., Esq. comes in. She’s the entrepreneur's legal/business coach and attorney with a wealth of experience as a licensed attorney able to practice transactional law across the U.S. She’s your lethal weapon on your entrepreneurial journey. Her firm will equip you with the legal knowledge and strategic foresight to take your business and profits to new heights using trademarks, copyrights, contracts, compliance and business strategy. She speaks your language. As a former educator, she fluently speaks both the language of entrepreneurial ambition and the complexities of the legal world. You’ll get clear guidance and practical strategies to confidently tackle legal hurdles, protect your business and make more money. She’s your trusted partner on your entrepreneurial journey. Together, we'll ensure your business thrives with the power of legal knowledge and strategic planning.
Katrina Walker-McDaniel
Katrina Walker, originally from Madison, GA, is a dynamic and accomplished professional dedicated to making a significant impact in the financial services industry. After graduating with honors from GA Tech, Katrina began her career at Hewitt Associates, an international consulting firm, where she quickly rose to the position of Business Operations Manager within just two years. In 2006, Katrina transitioned into Real Estate, where she demonstrated exceptional sales acumen, achieving over $15 million in sales in her first full year and ranking in the top 5% of sales agents. However, as the real estate market faced challenges, Katrina and her husband shifted their focus to the financial services sector in 2010.
​Together, they founded Impact Financial Solutions, LLC, a thriving agency specializing in tax solutions for small business owners, children’s savings plans, 401K rollovers, growth-focused IRAs, living benefits, and life insurance. Under their leadership, the agency has grown to manage over twenty-five agents and consistently ranks in the top 1% of financial services agencies nationwide. Their outstanding production levels have earned them numerous accolades, including the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table qualification, the Gold Level Production Award from BUILD, and the #1 Producer Award for 2022, 2023, & 2024 from Freedom Financial. Katrina is committed to continuous learning and staying abreast of market trends to provide the best possible service to her clients. She is an active member of several trade organizations, including FINSECA, the National Association of Fixed Annuities (NAFA) & WIN (Women’s Inclusion Network). Her dedication to excellence extends beyond her professional life; she is a member of BUILD, an organization supporting minority agents in the financial services industry.
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Balancing a demanding career with family life, Katrina has been married for 16 years to Eimmonti McDaniel and is a devoted mother to their two children, Paige (11) and Taylor (5). Residing in West Cobb, she is deeply involved in her children’s lives, actively participating in their activities and milestones with enthusiasm and heart. Katrina is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.,Worthy of Millions Mastermind Group, and She Speaks Vision, a peer coaching group for successful C-suite women and business owners. Additionally, her faith shapes her values, prospective, and purpose. She has had the privilege of serving as a Sunday school teacher for several years. In her personal time, Katrina enjoys reading and gardening.
Cassius F. Butts
Cassius F. Butts serves as Executive Vice President of Innovative Finance & Strategic Partnerships with Carver Financial Corporation (CFC) in Atlanta, GA. CFC is the only corporation that owns two minority banks (Carver State Bank in Savannah and Alamerica Bank in Birmingham). Cassius is the founder of Capital Fortitude Business Advisors, a strategic-management-advisory consulting firm that advises municipals and government entities. He is an Amazon Best-Selling Author; “Pursuit: 365 Business Edition” where he is noted as a contributing author and “Exceptional: Being the Exception to the Rule”, his first book on Leadership & Professional Development. Cassius also utilizes his professional experiences as an adjunct professor within the Department of Business & Economics at his alma mater, Morehouse College. He was appointed by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp as chairman of the Fort McPherson Local Redevelopment Authority to lead the reuse planning for the 487-acre former military installation in Atlanta.
Tyler Perry Studios and T. D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures are the lead entities creating southwest Atlanta’s second largest economic development project in more than 50 years. Gov. Brian Kemp also appointed Cassius to serve on the Georgia Tourism Foundation Board in April of 2024 as well as the Georgia Department of Economic Development Board in 2020. Additionally, Cassius serves as Global Advisor to Shine2Inspire; a non for profit that supports aspiring collegiate youth in their pursuit to become entrepreneurs.
Cassius’ public service career includes positions as the former Region IV Administrator for the United States Small Business Administration, appointed by President Barack Obama. He was the first African American to serve in that role. During his tenure, he managed five record breaking years with over $30 billion dollars in small business lending. He also served as a Presidential Management Fellow under the George W. Bush Administration with the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). While at HUD, he assisted in the establishment of a multi-million marketing procurement process and was named Branch Chief of the Real Estate Owned division. Moreover, during the onset of the pandemic in 2020, Cassius led 1st Choice Credit Union as president & CEO increasing their banking assets by 33%.
Nationally recognized as a trusted advisor and strategist in the private and public sectors, Cassius has enabled municipalities, non-governmental organizations, corporations, and executives to chart pathways to success through strategic planning and business development.
H. Bernard Franks
Franks entered the water industry starting at Clayton County Water Authority in 1996 as a Water Service Mechanic Trainee. Throughout his career he served in several leadership roles such as D&C Crew Leader, Conveyance Cleaning Foreman, Technical Services Foreman, and Distribution & Conveyance Manager.
In 2014, he joined the executive team when promoted to Assistant General Manager of Operations and later Assistant General Manager of Support Services. Finally in 2017 he was promoted as the now Chief Executive Officer of Clayton County Water Authority. He holds a Water Distribution System Operator License, Wastewater Collection System Operator License, Backflow Testing License, Backflow Proctor Certification, and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Business School for Water and Wastewater Leadership, and for most of his life the Theocratic ministry school and now currently in the Life and Ministry School.
Franks is active in the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) where he had the opportunity to serving as president. Actively supporting American Water Works Association (AWWA), Georgia Rural Water Association (GRWA) and Georgia Utility Contractors Association (GUCA). Franks also served as the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce Board Chair. He resides in Jonesboro with his wife Lenora of 34 years and their sons Bernard, Cameron, and Joshua.
Ryan Wilson
Ryan Wilson is the Co-founder and CEO of The Gathering Spot, a private membership club and cultural hub for creatives, entrepreneurs, and business professionals. Known for redefining networking, Ryan has built TGS into a national community with locations in Atlanta, D.C., Los Angeles, and membership in cities like New York, Detroit, and Houston. At just 24, Ryan raised capital to launch TGS, which quickly became a space for collaboration, connection, and culturally significant conversations. In 2022, TGS was acquired by a fintech company noted as one of the most influential deals of the year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, later reacquired by Ryan and his partner in 2023 — a testament to their commitment to TGS’s mission.
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Ryan is a recognized voice in economic empowerment and civic engagement, having led the Economic Freedom Talks under former Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign and addressed 75,000 people on the importance of small business support and equity. He currently serves as Co-Chair on Andre Dickens’ re-election campaign for Mayor of Atlanta, continuing his commitment to civic leadership in the city. Named Small Business Person of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Ryan has also been honored by Goldman Sachs, The Root 100, Ebony Power 100, and received Atlanta’s highest civic honor, the Phoenix Award. His impact has also been recognized by Georgetown University, where he received the Marcia G. Cooke Award, honoring alumni who have made a significant impact within 15 years of graduation.
Rodney D. Bullard
Rodney D. Bullard is the CEO of The Same House, a public benefit corporation, dedicated to furthering economic mobility by bridging social division. Rodney previously founded and led Global Corporate Social Responsibility at Chick-fil-A, inc. which included responsibilities for Community Affairs, Community Engagement and Environmental Sustainability at Chick-fil-A, Inc., and Executive Director of the Chick-fil-A Foundation. A frequent speaker, he previously served in the US Air Force, NASA, and the Department of Justice. He is an alumnus of the Air Force Academy, Duke Law, the University of Georgia's Terry School of Business and the Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program. Author of Heroes Wanted - grab your copy today! https://heroeswantedbook.com/
Keith T. Parker
Keith T. Parker is a 5-time, award-winning, transformational CEO whose leadership profile spans the country. He has transformed several organizations (one on the path to bankruptcy) into vibrant, profitable, and well-regarded businesses. His leadership has made him one of the most recognizable and sought-after leaders for public speaking, corporate advising, and, more recently, as a corporate director. Parker is adept at building public and business support for community-wide initiatives and referendums. Due to his financial acumen, which has developed in turning around multiple organizations, Parker has comprehensive expertise in assisting companies in identifying and addressing operational inefficiencies that lead to overall improved P&L performance.​
The bulk of Parker’s experience has been leading large transit agencies in major cities nationwide. Parker’s leadership of the Metropolitan Atlanta Regional Transit Authority (MARTA) for 2012 - 2017 won widespread acclaim as perhaps the most remarkable turnaround in modern local government history, helping transform what was generally recognized as the worst public transit system in the country, with enormous financial, customer service, employee, and public perception issues, into an award-winning economic powerhouse that became a significant tool for attracting and retaining major corporations and events (such as the Super Bowl and World Cup) to Metro Atlanta. Most notably, Parker improved the agency’s financials from a path to bankruptcy (according to an independent operational audit conducted by KPMG), to leaving the agency with an operating surplus of over a quarter billion dollars. While his experiences at MARTA were special, they were not unique. Parker enjoyed similar results running transit systems in Charlotte and San Antonio.
Most recently, Parker decided to take on a new career challenge. Since assuming the role of CEO for Goodwill of North Georgia, the largest nonprofit in Metro Atlanta, Parker has led the agency to unprecedented success. Goodwill of North Georgia has dramatically increased its retail footprint (now larger than Target) and achieved its best EBITDA in the organization’s history. More impressive is how the organization utilizes its profits. GNG is now the largest workforce development nonprofit in Georgia, helping to train and find employment for over 120,000 north Georgians over the past five years. While apples-to-apples data is sometimes complex, GNG has established itself as the #1 nonprofit in the country that helps African American men find employment. In addition, GNG is particularly adept at helping individuals with barriers to employment (disabled, formerly incarcerated, low-skilled, etc.) to connect with major companies like Amazon and Home Depot, as well as mid-sized and smaller organizations. Under Parker’s leadership, GNG has moved over 50,000 Georgia families out of poverty with living wage job connections. Parker has run all organizations he’s led with a for-profit mentality. GNG, for example, enjoys an overhead rate of approximately 9.5%, one of the lowest in the nation for a large nonprofit organization.
In addition to having a regular day job, Parker is very active, serving on for-profit, nonprofit, and hybrid boards. Currently, he serves as a board director with VHB Architecture and Engineering Board ($350 million, Boston-based firm), WellStar Health System ($6 billion, Georgia-based), Fifth Third Bank of Georgia Regional Advisory Board, the Executive Committee of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and others. Parker’s commitment to one of his alma maters, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), has been noteworthy.
Parker received the Alumni Star award in 2015, followed by successive appointments to the VCU Board of Visitors by Governor Terry McAuliffe (2016) and Governor Ralph Northam (2020). Parker was unanimously elected Rector and Chairman. Parker maintains a connection to the transportation industry, serving on the Boards of the ENO Center for Transportation and the American Public Transportation Foundation. Parker is one of the most decorated leaders in Georgia. He has received dozens of awards and accolades as a transformational leader and transportation visionary. He’s won multiple CEO of the Year awards in various states. He was recognized as the nation’s Outstanding Public Transportation CEO by the American Public Transportation Association. METRO Magazine named Parker one of its 20 Most Influential People of the Decade. In 2016, Parker received a Presidential Appointment by Barack Obama to serve on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC). In November of the same year, Governing Magazine named Parker one of the nation’s eight Public Officials of the Year. Georgia Trend Magazine recognized Parker as one of Georgia’s 100 Most Influential and Notable Georgians on multiple occasions. Atlanta Magazine has selected Parker for five consecutive years to the City’s Most Powerful Leaders list. Notably, Parker was chosen as one of Atlanta’s Most Admired CEOs by Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2017 (as CEO of MARTA) and in 2021 (as CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia), establishing him as the only person to win the award with two different companies. Most recently, the Atlanta Business League awarded Parker the 2024 Herman J. Russell CEO of the Year Award.
Parker and his wife are natives of Virginia and have three children. Parker holds an MBA from the University of Richmond, a Master of Urban and Regional Planning, and a BA in Political Science from VCU. He received certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Atlanta.