Tallahassee, Florida - May 9, 2012 -

City Manager Anita Favors Thompson today announced the appointment of Michael Parker as director of the City of Tallahassee’s Economic & Community Development (ECD) Department. Parker has held various leadership positions with the City for 15 years and most recently served as assistant director of ECD. His appointment with the City is effective immediately.

Parker joined the City in 1997 as Housing and Community Redevelopment Administrator and since then has worked in the areas of economic development and human services. He replaces Thomas Lewis, who retired as ECD director earlier this year.

Prior to joining the City in 1997, Parker led the City of Fort Lauderdale's (Florida) housing and community development functions, including administering a State Enterprise Zone program. He also worked for the City of Long Beach, Calif., where he served in several positions including Bureau Manager for Neighborhood and Housing Development. Parker holds bachelor’s degrees in history and political science from Valdosta State College and a master’s degree in public administration from Florida State University.

“I am pleased that Michael Parker will lead our economic and community development efforts,” Favors Thompson said. “During his 15 years of holding positions of increasing responsibility in City government, he has proven to be a consummate leader, and I expect great things to happen in ECD under his direction.”

The City’s Economic & Community Development Department oversees a variety of programs and services, including code enforcement, economic development initiatives, oversight of the Tallahassee Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), minority and small business assistance, and human services, including affordable housing programs. The department has 44 full-time employees with a current annual budget of $12.5 million.