Group Executive of Public Services

Jessica Parker has more than  over two decades of dedicated service marked by excellence in strategic planning, project management, policy & procedure and implementation. Parker started her career in the General Services Department & Recreation until she was promoted to Chief Enforcement Officer in the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) in 2018. During her time in BSEED, she oversaw the teams of attorneys, inspectors, and support staff that was responsible for holding property owners accountable for the condition of their blighted properties.   
Parker has spearheaded numerous initiatives, such as managing citywide beautification and cleanup efforts on both commercial and residential corridors; streamlining processes for code enforcement; and hosting compliance clinics for landlords, property owners, and business owners to walk them through the necessary steps to bring their properties into compliance.   
Parker joined the Mayor’s Office in 2023 as the Deputy Chief Operating Officer for the City of Detroit. Parker oversaw many key projects while working with external stakeholders, business owners, community leaders, and residents throughout the city.  Parker is responsible for managing special events for the City, including the record-breaking 2024 NFL Draft with more than 775,000 attendees. The 2024 NFL Draft economic impact reached $216.6 million with a direct spend of $161.3 million in the community.   
Parker earned her master's degree in architecture from the University of Detroit Mercy while serving in the United States Coast Guard. Parker served at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit, Selfridge Air National Guard Base and Camp Perry Military base in Port Clinton, Ohio before being Honorably Discharged from her duties. As Group Executive for Public Services, Parker will oversee and provide coordination between the following City departments and agencies:  

• General Services Department
• Parks & Recreation
• Arts & Culture
• Fleet and facilities maintenance
• Coleman A. Young Airport
• Municipal Parking Department
• Public Lighting Authority
• Public Lighting Department
• Greater Detroit Resource Recovery Authority