Bio

Steve Parker is an Operating Partner at Blackford Capital. Parker brings with him more than 40 years of diverse business experience, including 25 years several CEO roles, leading multi-national, manufacturing companies. Parker has been active in covering China, Japan, Europe and North America in companies ranging from $30 million to $300 million. Parker began his career with James River Corporation, spending 25 years with the Fortune 50 forest products company. His most recent position was President and CEO of Pacific Corporation, from which he retired in 2011. He currently owns and operates Longview Consulting, which focuses on positioning and strategic growth. Parker has expertise in the areas of organizational management, sales and marketing, manufacturing systems, mergers and acquisitions, and new business creation as well as fine-tuned experience in leadership and strategy. Active in the business community and civically engaged, Parker participates as a mentor in the Jandernoa Entrepreneurial Mentoring program (“JEM”). JEM pairs seasoned executive leaders—with a track record of success—with a current executive that has the ability and desire to grow his or her company and would benefit from an experienced mentor. Parker holds board positions with Progressive AE, Grand Power Systems, F.C. Mason Corporation, Muskegon THRIVE Educational Task Force, and Muskegon Heights Charter School Academy. He is the current chair of the Muskegon Area Promise-Muskegon Opportunity. Parker has served as a board member and is the previous chair of the Haworth College of Business Advisory Council (Western Michigan University), where he worked on a number of strategic initiatives, in concert with the dean and fellow board members, to drive growth and development at the college. Mr. Parker holds a BBA and MBA from Western Michigan University. He is married to Kathleen, his wife of 45 years, and has one daughter, Elisabeth who lives with her family in New York City. Parker stays active with running, summer and winter sports, as well as playing guitar. He is also a private pilot in his free time.