Haslam College of Business Carey Parker

Carey Parker (HCB ’03) uses her degree in accounting from the Haslam College of Business to build better communities by providing quality, affordable housing for families in Knoxville.

Parker is CEO of LHP Capital, LLC, a company that leverages the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to finance and develop affordable rental housing for families, seniors and people with disabilities. The company has developed more than 11,000 apartment units and currently manages a portfolio of 54 properties in eight states.

“I really enjoy going to family properties and seeing the children and having conversations with them,” Parker says. “When you experience that and see where these people live, it inspires you and gives you great satisfaction and fulfillment.”

In her role as CEO, Parker has oversight of  three divisions and assets totaling more than $650 million. She joined the company directly after graduation, and steadily moved up the ranks from accountant and asset management analyst to controller and, ultimately, to her current position. She played an important role in building the company, including establishing LHP’s support divisions in accounting, software, accounts payable and cash management.

This year, Parker is participating in the Alliance for Better Nonprofit’s OnBoard leadership training which prepares professionals for service on nonprofit boards and introduces them to organizations that would benefit from their involvement. The program is a collaborative effort between the alliance and the Haslam College of Business.

“I am a naturally curious person and thrive on learning new things,” Parker says. “At LHP our leadership team identified four core values that are at the heart of everything we do—courageous, collaborative, committed and curious. This particular core value—curious—aligns with a personal goal of mine. I am always seeking new opportunities for meaningful development. I want to learn more and do more. That’s what inspires me.”

Parker serves on the board of directors for the Legacy Housing Foundation, a local not-for-profit dedicated to providing innovative programs and services to support strong affordable housing communities. In January 2017 she was recognized in the Knoxville Business Journal’s “40 Under 40,” a prestigious annual list of the most influential young business leaders in the region.

Parker is married to Patrick Curtsinger, and they have a four-year-old son who keeps the family busy. They enjoy day hikes in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains and spending time on the lake, and Parker and her husband are huge UT football fans. In addition to her undergraduate degree, Parker also received her MBA from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.