Derrick C. Parker joins the Kricker Innovation Hub
The Kricker Innovation Hub is very pleased to announce the recent hiring of Derrick C. Parker to the position of Program Coordinator- Entrepreneurship.
Derrick graduated from Ohio University in 2015. Since that time, he has served the Southern Ohio community in a variety of roles, including as a journalist with the Scioto Voice Newspaper, as Adjunct Professor in the Shawnee State University (SSU) English Department, and as an AmeriCorps Member hosted in the cutting edge SSU Digital History Lab.
As a lifelong resident of Scioto County, Derrick cares deeply about Southern Ohio, its citizens, and the outlook for the future. He will bring his experience in community development, volunteer management, event planning, communications, marketing, and strategic planning to the position. As Program Coordinator at the Kricker Innovation Hub (KIH), Derrick will be tasked with implementing new programming and managing Hub communication activities. He will also be able to connect individuals with planning resources to help navigate them through the startup process.
Please join us in welcoming Derrick to the KIH team! He can be reached at dparker@shawnee.edu- but be sure to stop by the Kricker Innovation Hub (located at 221 Chillicothe Street in Portsmouth) to say hello when state guidelines allow!
Q & A with Derrick
Why did you want to work at The Hub? I wanted to work at the Hub because, first and foremost, it provides opportunities. The Kricker Innovation Hub is a gateway. It’s a gateway to entrepreneurship, new jobs, and economic growth. To be on the ground floor helping to build the Hub and its capacity to help others- to connect the dots around our community- that’s huge.
What interested you about the position? I had actually been familiar with the KIH since it opened its doors. As an AmeriCorps Member, I helped to coordinate and plan an event in partnership with the KIH, SSU Library, and OSU School of Folklore Studies entitled ‘Placemaking’. That event expanded on a year long project by the OSU School of Folklore Studies and focused on how newcomers and returning residents positively impacted Scioto County, Ohio. I was blown away by the response to that event! Various community leaders, organizations, and businesses contributed and it was a huge success. Since then, I’ve continued to monitor the KIH and its work within the community. It’s very impressive. So, when I found out the position of Program Coordinator had become available, I immediately sent my resume. This is a chance to continue the great work of the Hub and contribute my own expertise as well.
What do you love about the area? Portsmouth is my home. I’ve grown up here. I’ve started my family here. This area is not without flaws. I’ve had plenty of friends and family leave and go elsewhere, but that path is not for me. I see potential in Portsmouth. I see the past and the history in this area. It’s rich. And most importantly- I see the progress. The community is starting to realize that this can be a great place to live, work, and spend free time. They are starting to take pride in Southern Ohio. I love the area because I’ve heard about the stories from the past, seen the turmoil in the present, and can visualize the progress coming in the (near) future.
Favorite Restaurant? Port City Pub
Who has been a mentor to you throughout your career? I am lucky to have surrounded myself with great friends, colleagues, and mentors. I want to thank the owner of the Scioto Voice, Debbie Allard, for giving me a chance to be creative and to cover the news right here in Scioto County. I want to thank my fellow writer, Bill Shope, for being a great mentor and a stellar co-worker. I want to thank Andrew Feight and Janet Stewart for putting up with me and all my cooky ideas as an AmeriCorps Member during my two years of service. They both taught me so much in that role and I can’t be more grateful to them. Lastly, I want to thank David Kilroy, Director of the KIH, for giving me this opportunity.
What do you plan to do after the COVID-19 Pandemic has passed? I plan to take a much needed vacation with my wife. We’ve always wanted to go to Ireland.
What do you do in your free time? I consider myself to be a jack of all trades. I love music (I truly miss festival season!). I love film. I love to read. I love the outdoors. And, as a millennial, I also love to play video games.
What show are you currently binge watching? Star Trek: The Next Generation, Community, and the Sopranos.
Derrick can be reached at dparker@shawnee.edu.