On the internet: http://agriculture.senate.gov
Thad Cochran, Chairman

CONTACT: For Thursday, March 20, 2003
Keith Williams: 202-224-4728

A successful attorney and active citizen, Vernon Parker started his legal career in administrative law and has since expanded upon his credentials as both an attorney and a community leader. He is well respected, not only in the legal community for his abilities and career achievements, but in every community he has lived for his tireless advancement of greater causes. His career in administrative law and Equal Employment Opportunity issues, combined with his passion for improving society by bringing different interests together, well prepares him for a variety of leadership roles in government.

In 1988, after receiving his Bachelors of Science degree in finance from California State University, Mr. Parker received his Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center. While at Georgetown University, he received the high privilege of serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Georgetown American Criminal Law Review.

Upon receiving his law degree, Mr. Parker took his first position in the federal government as Counselor to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). He was simultaneously the Director of Policy for OPM. Here, he served as legal advisor to the OPM Director on all issues involving federal workers.

Just two years into his career with OPM, he was appointed General Counsel. As such, Mr. Parker worked with and familiarized himself with every branch of the federal government. He implemented policies on various administrative issues ranging from civil rights, to federal employees' health care, to government contract and procurement issues. In supervising over 50 attorneys and support staff, he enhanced and solidified his management capabilities.

In 1992, Parker accepted an opportunity to serve in the White House as Special Assistant to the President. Here, he was responsible for the staffing and policy review of over 300 Presidential boards and commissions, including, but not limited to, the African Development Foundation, the President's Commission on Small Business, the United States Trade Representative Board on International Trade, the President's Export Council, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. As the primary staff for these boards and commissions, Parker was also responsible for their legislative and media issues.

Since leaving the White House in 1993, Vernon Parker has continued to expand upon his commitment to his country and community. He first became a partner in a firm representing domestic and international clients before the United States government on regulatory and compliance issues in the area of government contracts. This led him to an opportunity to serve as President and CEO of BelSante International LLC, an international nutritional supplement company.

Mr. Parker is actively involved in community work and volunteerism. Most recently, Mr. Parker has answered the call of his community to serve his church in Paradise Valley, Arizona as the Interim Senior Pastor. He has served the Salvation Army on its National Board of Directors and on the Greater Phoenix Salvation Army Advisory Board. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Christian Family Care Agency and as a member of Arizona State University's Board of Community Alliance for Black Student Support. Furthermore, Parker has been listed in Who's Who Among African Americans.