CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: One-On-One with Atlantic County Commissioner Andrew Parker III

Editor's Note: I have known Andrew Parker III for more than 5 years. I have known him to be a man who cares about his community. When I call, he comes or we can always set a make up time that works for both our schedules. Parker, as a Republican, does not dodge or hide from communities that may not have voted for him. As an Atlantic County elected official, he shows up for people without asking if they are Republican or Democrat. I saw him recently at a celebration and Parker asked me, "When are we going to sit down for that interview?" Parker let it be known that he has a few things on his mind to share with the Atlantic City Focus/Civic Engagement audience, voters of both parties and others. My job is to ask the questions and let the officials and candidates answer for themselves and then I leave it to the people to decide. Still, I want to thank Andrew Parker III for sitting down for this one-on-one interview regarding his career, his role as a Republican, and his duty to his family and the people of Atlantic County.

Andrew Parker III serves on the Atlantic County Board Of Commissioners and was sent to represent the people of District 3.

Parker has earned a Master's degree in Science Education with a specialization in middle school mathematics, graduating summa cum laude from Walden University.

Parker is an educator and currently teaches in the Atlantic City Public Schools District.  In 2013, he was recognized as a Siemens STEM Institute/Discovery Education Fellow, an honor bestowed upon 50 of the nation's top mathematics and science teachers.  He is also a 2021 DENSI STAR and serves on the Discovery Education Leadership Committee.  Parker has been elected to a second term as the National Education Association (NEA) Representative Assembly delegate and serves on the Political Candidates Screening Committee.  He is the former Collective Bargaining and Advocacy Chairperson for the Atlantic County Council on Education Associations (ACCEA) and currently chairs the Atlantic City Education Association Legislative Action Team, leading efforts to engage his union in legislative advocacy at the local, state and federal levels.

Parker's public service began with a decade of service on the Egg Harbor Township Zoning Board of Adjustments. In 2018, he made history as the first African American elected to the Egg Harbor Township Committee.  During his tenure, he served on the Economic Development Commission, County Municipal Court Personnel Committee and the Police Athletic League.  He remains an active member of the Economic Development Commission, helping businesses establish roots and thrive in South Jersey.

In 2020, Parker made history again as the first African American to serve as Vice Chairman of the Atlantic County Board of County Commissioners.

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