Chris Parker is your candidate for District 4, Joliet City Council. Born and raised in Joliet, Illinois to Deboraha Parker and Terry Edwards, Parker grew up on the east side of Joliet called the “Hill” or otherwise known as “Forest Park Area”. His grandfather, Mr. Druel Parker owned several laundromats on the east side and this is where Parker sparked an interest in entrepreneurship and his love for people and public service.

 

Today, he is Vice President and Director of Community Banking with in the Commercial Banking Division of a regional bank. He is known throughout the western Chicagoland area as one of the leading African-American bankers working in economic impoverished communities. He has had a successful tenure in leadership within the Community Banking space for nearly 15 years. Community banking has led him to realize his passion for people and their financial success! Civically, Christopher serves as Chairman and President for the Will County African American Business Association (AABA) and member of ComEd’s Community Advisory Council. He formerly served the Greater Joliet YMCA as Board member, council chair, Annual Giving Gala Co-Chair, and Budget and Finance Committee Member. Parker has served as Economic Development Commission Chairman for the Village of Maywood. He also served as Board Chairman for a Autism Awareness Agency in Forest Park. 

 

For over a decade, he has served his local church, Redeem Enrichment Ministries in Joliet, as deacon and financial administrator. A Joliet native, Christopher attended Joliet West High School, Joliet Junior College and has since gone on to attend Concordia University where he studied business management and organizational leadership. He has completed a paid internship with Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida where he studied Communications and Organizational Leadership with the top recreational company in the world. He has used those skills to propel in finance, banking, and community development. 

 

Parker decided to expand his public service in running for District 4 City Council because he believed he was one of the only candidates that could rally the various communities to achieve collective impact. He believes equitable economic development can be a strong spring board to less crime, job creation and quality of life. 

 

Parker is a man of faith and believes this is his season and time to lead at a higher level as he intends on rallying the district for a United vision. He is married to Tecara Parker and they have one dog named Crockett.