Mike Parks grew up in rural Oregon and was first introduced to Rotary in 1975, when he was selected to become a Rotary Youth Exchange student to Brazil at the age of 15. That experience changed his life forever and led him to become committed to service and Rotary values.

Immediately after his year as a Rotary Youth Exchange student, Mike entered the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. He was the first in his family to attend university, and he told us that was a bit of an “overachiever” – in fact, he completed a double degree, with a triple major and graduated with honors at the age of 21 after serving as student body president and valedictorian. At the time, UOP was the most expensive private school in the state, and Mike was 100% self-supported for all costs! He paid his way through university by working at a travel agency, which led to a long career in the travel industry.

Upon graduation, Mike was recruited by United Airlines and went on become the company’s youngest Regional Manager. His airline career moved him around the USA, Latin America and Europe and he eventually became Senior Vice President at American Airlines/SABRE, in London, responsible for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Delta Airlines and their travel technology subsidiary, Worldspan, recruited Mike to move to Atlanta in 2000 to serve as Senior Vice-President and General Manager – Worldwide Travel Distribution.

Upon retirement, Mike dedicated his time to community service and non-profit organizations. He joined the Rotary Club of Dunwoody in 2012 and has served in leadership roles for the club and the district. Today, he continues to serve as the District 6900 Chairman for the Rotary Youth Exchange program.

Mike is passionate about world travel and foreign languages and cultures. He speaks several languages and studies a number of others. Mike, his partner Claudio, and their new baby Zoe, make their home in Sandy Springs.