New deputy state treasurer selected

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks last Thursday announced that Joyce Parker has been selected as the Michigan Department of Treasury’s new deputy state treasurer over state and local government finance programs.

In her position, Parker will lead program areas within the state Treasury Department that provide financial services and bonding to local communities and school districts and oversee property tax administration. She will officially begin serving Michigan residents on July 15.

“Joyce is a creative problem solver who will proactively help our communities manage through financial challenges,” Eubanks said. “I am confident she will be a tremendous resource for Michigan’s counties, cities, villages and townships and school districts, working with our communities and stakeholders to solve some of our state’s most challenging financial issues.”
Parker is an experienced community administrator, having managed suburban communities, urban cities and charter townships with rapid growth and development. She is a credentialed city manager and has developed budgets up to $250 million and led organizations with 800 employees.

“Joyce Parker has worked with our organization and several of our communities for many years with the utmost professionalism and integrity,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and executive director of the Michigan Municipal League. “Her knowledge of Michigan municipalities and the financial challenges they face is immense. Her background, experience and financial acumen makes her an excellent choice as deputy treasurer.”

Prior to coming to the state Treasury Department, Parker served as the president and chief executive officer of The Municipal Group, where she was responsible for providing government services to cities, townships, counties and state government. Recent clients included the city of Flint, the Michigan Townships Association and Michigan Municipal League.

Parker has also served as an assistant city manager for the city of Jackson, township manager for Buena Vista Charter Township, city manager for the cities of Inkster and Saginaw and community development director for the city of Flint.

“The Michigan Department of Treasury and local governments are very fortunate to have a person of Joyce Parker’s abilities as deputy state treasurer overseeing local government finances and property tax administration,” said Larry Merrill, former Executive Director of the Michigan Townships Association. “Joyce is a smart, compassionate and effective public servant who distinguished herself as an exemplary municipal manager. She has first-hand knowledge of the complex challenges facing local governments and the credibility to lead state and local officials to appropriate solutions.”

Parker has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Kent State University and master’s degree in public administration from the University of Michigan-Flint.