CEO/PRESIDENT
OC UNITED WAY
WHY: Runs Irvine-based nonprofit focused on Orange County’s critical challenges. Parks was named to the top role in 2017. Founding member of Orange County United Way’s Women’s Philanthropy Fund and a former board member of Orange County United Way. Under her leadership, the organization launched three key initiatives (United to End Homelessness, United for Financial Security and United for Student Success). Also led the organization’s acquisition of 211OC, which connects thousands of residents with health and human service resources via a free, 24-hour emergency contact center. Orange County United Way generated $33.9 million in revenue for the 12 months ending June 2025, served 767,765 people in Orange County.
IN THE NEWS: Organization renewed partnership with the UCI this year to launch a new homelessness cost analysis by 2027 to provide evidence-based insight into the use of public resources addressing the issue and which efforts have the greatest impact. Launched a new five-year strategic plan in September, called United4OC 2030, which aims to unite the county through 4 million moments of impact, creating brighter futures for all.
NOTABLE: Prior to this position, Parks held executive roles at Kinkos, Gateway Inc., US West and Zellerbach Paper. Says her dad taught her to say “yes,” even when the task ahead seems daunting. “He also taught me to help others whenever you can, and to always choose the high road.”
IN HER WORDS: “When we recognize the needs of our community and make the decision to step up and help, that is how we create a united Orange County.”
