Emery Parker is a seasoned business consultant with over 20 years of experience at the Georgia SBDC at the University of Georgia and currently serves with the Florida SBDC at FAMU in Tallahassee, Florida. In her role as an APEX Accelerator and Business Consultant, Emery supports clients in reaching their business goals while contributing to community and economic development. Emery’s areas of consulting and professional services include:

• Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Business Certifications

• Strategic Planning

• Market Research (IBISWorld, Profit Cents, ArcGIS, Bid-Match)

• Startup and Growth Planning

• Government Contracting (local, state, and federal)

• Partnership Development with Colleges and Agencies

Emery brings over 29 years of professional experience in roles such as College Instructor, State Auditor, Business Consultant, Accountant, Economic Development Specialist, and Financial Analyst. She has taught accounting, marketing, and management at institutions including Auburn University, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Southeast Community College, Gainesville State College, and Athens Technical College.

Her previous experience includes working as an Auditor for the State of Nebraska, serving in the Office of the Vice President for Public Service & Outreach at the University of Georgia, and supporting nonprofit initiatives as an Economic Development Specialist and Financial Analyst at the East Athens Development Corporation. Prior to moving to Tallahassee, Emery was the Accountant for Ebenezer Baptist Church West in Athens, Georgia.

She joined the SBDC team in February 2015. Emery holds a BBA in Business Management and an MBA from Delta State University, and a Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional (CEDEP), a Certified Associate Procurement Professional (APP), and a Certified Procurement Professional (CPP).