Mel Parker

Mel Parker is an internationally recognized multi industry inspirational leader known for his ability to turnaround, transform and upgrade businesses while generating optimum value for shareholders, customers and employees.

He is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Take The Limits Off, LLC, a leadership development, executive coaching and consulting firm based out of Austin, TX. T.T.L.O. specializes in custom developed individual and team programs for clients in every industry and leaders at every level. As an international speaker and best-selling author, Mel has shared his leadership and success strategies with audiences from around the world.

Mel delivers leadership expertise through panels, seminars and keynote addresses.

His most popular and requested topics: Inspirational/Servant Leadership, Authentic Leadership with Trust and Courage, Building and Leading High Performance Teams, Transformational Change and Crisis Leadership.

He has been featured in Black Enterprise, Savoy and Vetrepreneur magazines. Along with various military and civilian awards, Mel was also named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America in 2012 and then again in 2014.

Mel, graduated from the United States Military Academy in as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery and served as a forward observer, a fire direction officer and a battery executive officer with the 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. During his service Mel attended Airborne School, Ranger School, Jumpmaster School and Airborne Operations School along with combat service in Iraq and Kuwait during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Captain Parker transitioned from the military and embarked on 25+ year journey in corporate America working for some of the most prestigious and well run organizations on the planet. PepsiCo, Corporate Express(Staples), Newell Rubbermaid, Dell Computers, and Brinks. Mel has held senior leadership positions at these organizations to include President of North America, Managing Director of North America, Vice President and General Manager of North America, Vice President Sales and Marketing – North America. In the role as President or General Manager, Mel has successfully led multiple high performance teams delivering billions of dollars in revenues with over 14,000 team members.

Mel currently serves on the Board of Directors for Vectrus (NYSE: VEC). Vectrus delivers global infrastructure, IT and logistics services primarily to the Department of Defense. Mel also serves on the Board of the National Black MBA Association and served on the Executive Advisory Board of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Texas.