As a collaborative, solutions-focused leader, Dr. Parker has served 18 years in higher education leadership roles. John joined San Diego City College in 2020 as the Vice President of Administrative Services. Prior to joining City College, he served as CFO at Rivier University, President of Brown Mackie College, and has worked in Managerial Finance for Warner Bros. and the Hertz Corporation.

As a first-generation college graduate and an adjunct accounting and finance instructor, John is dedicated to serving historically underserved students and the communities in which they live. As a life learner, education is one of John’s many passions; in addition to teaching, John also serves as a tutor, a mentor, and a financial literacy expert; he also consults on financial stewardship, sustainable development, and fiscal compliance. John earned a doctorate in International Business from Argosy University, an MS in Accounting from Arizona State University, and a BS in Business Administration from USC.

John currently serves on the Board of the Umoja Community, Jackie Robinson YMCA, the Neighborhood House Association, and the Urban League of San Diego. John is an avid chess player and former member of the U.S. Chess Federation. He enjoys basketball, fitness, reading, cooking, and traveling the world with his wife Gail.