John Parker is a senior executive with 25+ years leading public relations, media relations, and crisis communications for the St. Louis region, national brands, and high-profile clients. Deep, firsthand knowledge of St. Louis' government, civic, cultural, and visitor economy, built through senior leadership roles with the city of St. Louis, small and large businesses, and regional nonprofit organizations. A seasoned relationship-builder, connector, and community advocate with a passion for creating meaningful partnerships and driving impact. With a background spanning business development, engagement strategy, and college/professional athletics, I thrive at bringing people, ideas, and opportunities together. He believes strong relationships create strong communities, and he is passionate about helping organizations grow while making people feel seen, valued, and connected. He remains a trusted advisor and spokesperson to mayors, executives, celebrities, and public agencies, with a strategic mindset that connects public relations to broader business, profit, and nonprofit development goals.
John is currently the Owner and CEO of Evolution Medical Marketing and Consulting Group. He is the former Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations for the St. Louis Apparel and Manufacturing Company. He is the former President of Evolution Communications & Media Group, a firm that specialized in crisis communications and media management for large corporations, government entities, and non-profit organizations. He also served as Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Media for the St. Louis Development Corporation. He has a proven track record of building and developing business brand narratives across traditional, digital, and emerging platforms, including social, hosting television, radio and podcasts, and producing multimedia campaigns, and translating earned media strategy into measurable gains in reputation, share of voice, and public support. He is a former college and NFL football coach with 31 years of experience. His reputation, hard work, and persistence have earned him college championships and Super Bowls wins.
He currently holds seats on several charitable boards such as ARCHS, the St. Louis Ambassadors, the Viral Cancer Research Foundation, the St. Louis Small Business Institute, and many others. He is a staunch advocate for the St. Louis Crisis Nursery, the Make A Wish Foundation and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. He is the past President of the National Black Coaches Association.
B.S. Missouri Valley College
M.S. United States Sports Academy
Darius Rucker