“We may not have chosen the time, but the time has chosen us.”
Congressman John Lewis
With service to the community being one of the pillars at the core of Pastor William Parker, Jr.’s beliefs-- he is seeking election to the position of Pontiac City Council, District 5, Pontiac, Michigan for the 2021 election cycle.
Born in Carbon Hill, Alabama, he was raised within a large family and educated in the Walker County Public school system. Upon graduating high school, he joined the United States Air Force, serving until 1985. While serving, he also earned the equivalent of an Associate’s degree with an emphasis in business management and leadership principles through the Community College of the Air Force.. He also received various commendations and awards, culminating in being presented with an honorable discharge and Air Force Commendation Medal. He is a Certified Teacher with the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and has earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and Master’s degree in Theology from Destiny Christian University, with a strong emphasis in Counseling and Conflict Resolution. He also serves as a volunteer Chaplain at Mclaren Medical Center.
Pastor Parker spent 34 years working for various Fortune 500 companies: ServiceMaster, HHA Services, Crothall, and Touchpoint Support Services. He demonstrated his leadership abilities as an Environmental Services Manager, Director, Systems Engineer, and Regional Director. He led a diverse and multicultural work-force, while preparing and managing multi-million dollar budgets. He also gained experience in contract negotiations for union and non-union positions.
He relocated to Michigan in 2005 and to Pontiac in 2011 because he felt it was necessary to be a part of the community in which he and his wife do ministry. He is currently serving as Pastor of New Springfield Missionary Baptist Church with his wife of 26 years, First Lady Jennifer Parker, a Special Education Coordinator for the Pontiac School District. He has expressed: “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to be chosen and used by God to lead people to a better, brighter future.” They have three children and 4 grandchildren.
Pastor Parker contributes to the community through his Church and his membership/leadership in various organizations. He has implemented a program to provide church members with financial assistance for both their secular and/or religious educational pursuits, mentors youth, and sponsors both an annual Community Picnic/Family Fun Day and an annual Youth Retreat. He is also a volunteer with the Pontiac School District in their Food Distribution Program. He is currently an active member and servant-leader in some capacity of the following organizations: Pontiac Lions Club; Vice President of the District 5 Citizens District Council; Past Vice Moderator of the Crystal Lake Missionary Baptist District Association; Vice President of the Oakland County Ministerial Fellowship where he most recently served as Social and Civic Actions Director; and a member of the Pontiac Parks and Recreation Committee.
