Rodney O. Parks

Rodney O. Parks (he/him), Senior Consultant, is a philanthropic strategist with more than 25 years of experience advising organizations on relationship management, principal and planned giving strategy, and the evolving landscape of diverse wealth transfers. A nationally recognized expert, he has guided institutions through major campaigns, secured multi-million-dollar commitments, and is widely sought after as a global speaker and educator. His excellence in professional education has been honored with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Crystal Apple Award for Teaching. 

In addition to his consulting work, Rodney currently serves as the Senior Director of Planned Gifts and Leadership/Annual Giving at Morehouse College, where he further applies his expertise to advance institutional fundraising priorities. 

Rodney’s long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected throughout his career. He co-chaired DEI initiatives at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and has held meaningful volunteer leadership roles, including past chair of the Banking Board of the State of Arkansas, past president of the Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association, and past chief fundraiser for the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation. A dedicated mentor, he supports emerging professionals, especially those historically underrepresented in fundraising and philanthropy. 

He holds a Bachelor of Science from Arkansas Tech University and an MBA from Baker University, and is known for delivering measurable results, strengthening organizational cultures, and championing inclusive philanthropic engagement.