Page 9 - Fayette County NCG

Cover Feature

“From a faith perspective, looking
“You need vision, the mission, back, it was like God had this next thing
you need to recruit great people, for you,” he shared.
and execute with excellence, For example, Parker says he never
to keep the vision alive,” he would’ve built Trilith LIVE if not for
said. “Don’t make fear-based working with award-winning country
decisions, make opportunity- music artist Zac Brown. Parker was CEO rob park
making decisions.” of Zac Brown’s Southern Ground. Trilith
LIVE is a new entertainment complex
Rob Parker
that, at completion, will include two live
audience television production sound
stages, an indoor, 1800-seat auditorium,
Officer. It was during his time there
Rob Parker Parker realized his affinity for fundraising luxury movie theatre, and more.
“I feel very blessed. The path has not
Executive Chairman of the Board and “delivering on big dreams,” learning
of Trustees of FPACT that “if you make it rain (raise money), always been easy or clear, but the clarity er
you’ll have a job.” of my role was there,” Parker said.
Parker shared his most rewarding Applying core leadership principles
accomplishment while at BGCA. has been key to success. Parker says
Rob Parker He led a $300 million fundraising whether its government, business,
effort, leveraging public and private or non-profit, the same principles can
The Fayette County community
partners, to provide 2,500 technology
knows Rob Parker as president of Trilith be applied.
centers in Boys and Girls Clubs in low-
Development, home to the Town at Trilith He recognizes building Trilith –
income areas.
LLC, the award-winning, master planned successfully building a town for the film
Parker credits his experience there,
residential and mixed-use community for coaching, teaching, and fundraising, industry – among his most recent career
leadership, innovation, creatives. Turns out, Parker has a story as the foundation for the executive were part of that,” Parker remarked. He
artists, makers, storytellers, and other
achievements. “Not lots can say they
coaching, teaching, and speaking that
of his own.
was quick to add it was not a solo effort.
came next as CEO and Principal of
Parker attended high school in

Pennsylvania with plans of becoming Wisdom Transfer. Parker embraced his A recipient of the Fayette Chamber’s
evolving career journey. Outstanding Businessperson of the Year
a teacher. As an athlete, Parker played
award, Parker remains humble. “Nothing
He went on to have decades of
college basketball and decided to
I’ve done was done by myself. Big things
experience in both non-profit and for-
add “coach” to his future teaching
profit work, always in a leadership role. require talented people. I’m proud to
occupation. It’s been said that life is
With hindsight, he said he could see how have worked with remarkable people.”
what happens while we’re busy making
his prior experience paved the path for Parker said he is blessed to know people
other plans. It seemed to go that way
the present. at the top of their professions.
for Parker.
Just two weeks after taking a
lifeguard job at the local Boys and Girls
Club, Parker became their Aquatics
Director. Shortly after, he moved up to
become the Athletic Director and then
the Unit Director. At 24 years old, he was
in a leadership position, thoughts of
becoming an educator in his rear view.
He never gave up on his dream of
coaching. Even while working full-time
at the Boys and Girls Clubs of America
(BGCA), Parker coached high school
basketball in Southern California.
Parker spent 20 years with the
non-profit organization, becoming Chief
Town at Trilith
Executive Officer and Chief Development
770-461-9983 • FayetteChamber.org 5