Michael Parker for Chapel Hill Town Council

Michael Parker Chapel Hill Town Council

I first came to Chapel Hill in 1970 to attend graduate school at UNC. During that time, I developed an abiding affection for this town and hoped to be able to return some day.

Over 30 years later, I was able to fulfill my wish to move back to Chapel Hill.

When my wife Linda retired, we decided this community would be the perfect fit for us.   

My wife, Linda Prager, is an accomplished human resources executive, ceramic artist, jewelry maker, and singer. Together we raised our daughter Stephanie who is an environmental journalist living in Switzerland with her husband Samuel and their dog Monty.

Michael Parker Chapel Hill Town Council

When I came to Chapel Hill over a decade ago, I got involved in town affairs so I could give back to my community.

 

I joined a number of non-profit Boards, including:

  • the Chamber of Commerce
  • the Friends of the Downtown
  • The ArtsCenter

and continue to serve on the latter two.

I also have served on:

  • the Town’s Transportation Board
  • the Central West Steering Committee (Co-Chair)
  • the Chapel Hill Planning Commission

 

Because of my interest in transit and desire to see Chapel Hill expand its service, I now serve as the Chair of the Chapel Hill Public Transit Committee, as well as being a member of the GoTriangle and DCHC Metropolitan Planning Organization boards.

 

 

In 2015, I was elected to serve Chapel Hill as a member of the Town Council, an honor that still humbles and amazes me.

 

During my term on the Chapel Hill Town Council, my colleagues and I:

  • Passed a $10 million bond for affordable housing
  • Worked to improve local transit and reduce traffic congestion
  • Authorized the initiation of a major stormwater management project near Eastgate
  • Funded the creation of 100 new parking spaces Downtown

 

learn more via the Town of Chapel Hill website

Creative solutions for complex challenges

 

I bring my experience in public affairs, financial management, and business development to bear on all the efforts I support.

 

I was the first member of my family to attend college and received a BA in Biology from SUNY Buffalo and earned my MBA in healthcare administration form Baruch College.

I worked for and consulted to a number of healthcare organizations, academic medical centers and non-profit hospitals. In the latter part of my career I worked for several pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as many smaller, entrepreneurial biotech companies. I still consult in the biotechnology field on a limited basis.

My work is characterized by fact-based, analytical solutions ... and by converting challenges into opportunities. In my professional life and in my service to community, I have helped organizations of all sizes accomplish their goals.

Working hard to serve Chapel Hill is my passion.

 

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve our town and I wish to continue this work to help ensure that Chapel Hill will be as special tomorrow as it is today.