USACE Galveston District’s Employee Spotlight on Katie Parks

Published July 5, 2017

GALVESTON, Texas (July 5, 2017) – Throughout her childhood, Katie Parks moved a total of nine times. She lived in eight different states in the U.S. including a move overseas to Germany. Parks and her brother were the staple military kids who faced the many obstacles of relocation, constant change, and readjustments. With a father who is a retired U.S. Army colonel and a mother who retired from TRADOC as a budget analyst, it’s no surprise Parks took a career path that had the military elements of her father mixed with the financial aspects of her mother’s career.

“When I graduated college I was offered a position as a financial management analyst for a Department of Army internship with the Training and Doctrine Command in Virginia.” said Parks “After some experience, I moved around, even taking a contracting position at NASA as an IT specialist in the knowledge management office before finding the Corps”.

Parks is now on her sixth year with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District. She holds the position as Management Analyst but wears many hats. She organizes and briefs at every New Employee orientation. She also serves as the Human Resources liaison for the district and advises management on all matters relating to recruiting, managing and developing, and retention of employees. Apart from her daily tasks Parks is a member of the workforce management committee and the Crisis Action Team (CAT).

“Katie is the new logistics lead for the Southwestern Division, Galveston CAT” said Alicia Rea, interim Chief of Emergency Management. “During tropical storm Cindy, she was eager to learn and performed her duties efficiently and effectively. I am confident should SWG be affected by a larger event Katie will be an asset in executing our missions”.

As busy as Parks is at work, she makes it a point to keep an active lifestyle. Her hobbies include hanging out with friends and family, traveling, and maintaining her physical fitness. Her most recent venture was participating in the AVON 39 miles walk for breast cancer with Alicia Rea.

“I am always looking for new ways to challenge myself both professionally and personally” said Parks “I am fortunate to work with some great people who have motivated me to reach my goals”.

Parks earned her Bachelors of Arts in History from Old Dominion University in Norfolk Virginia in 2006 and received a Commander’s Award for Civilian Service in 2009.


Release no. 17-023