Touch Lives, Drive Change & Do Good Well
Maximizer
Ken Parker is a passionate advocate for education and a seasoned entrepreneur with a track record of building successful companies. As the cofounder and CEO of NextThought, an education technology and creative media company, Parker pairs his extensive experience with a passion for enhancing learning experiences and accessibility.
A first-generation college graduate, Parker’s personal journey instilled in him a profound appreciation for the power of education. Following successful chapters at Martin Marietta Aerospace and J.P. Morgan Chase, he cofounded two startups that speak to his entrepreneurial acumen and areas of expertise. RiskMetrics, a FinTech leader on Wall Street, achieved a successful $1.55 billion exit. Now, at NextThought, Parker harnesses technology and creative media to empower learners of all ages.
Beyond his interest in education, Parker has the instincts and curiosity to be on the cutting edge of emerging technologies. With more than three decades of experience in the field of artificial intelligence, he is recognized as a leading voice in Oklahoma—recently serving on the Governor’s AI Task Force to actively shape the state’s strategic approach to this transformative tool.
Residing in Noble, Oklahoma, with his wife of 40 years, he finds joy in spending time with his three children, their spouses, and six grandchildren spread across San Francisco and Norman. Parker’s dedication to his community extends to various boards at OU, UCO, educational nonprofits, and Leadership Oklahoma Class 30.