Member, AIBL Board of Directors
Parker is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. A strong advocate for Native American-owned businesses, Patrice (Pat) Parker brings over 25 years of experience working with Indian communities, Federal, and Tribal governments. After working in the Indian Health Service for 10 years, Parker started her own business in 1989. In 1992 she joined with her sister, Tonya, forming Native American Management Services, Inc. (NAMS). By the end of 1992 NAMS would become certified by the Small Business Administration as an 8(a) company. By 2003, Parker would lead her firm’s growth to over 50 employees across the United States and $7 million in annual revenue.
Parker’s educational background includes studies of theatre, journalism and public relations at the University of Oklahoma, Tulsa University’s School of the Dramatic Arts and the University of Maryland.
In addition to contributions for AIBL, Parker is currently acting as Chair of the Native American Women’s Business Council and is on the Board of the National Indian Business Association. She is a founding partner of Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP); Member of the Board of Directors for the National Women’s History Museum; Founding member of Women Empowering Women for Indian Nations (WEWIN); and Associate Member of the National Foundation for Women Legislators.
