Stephen Parker is the Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA). Parker works with NIVA’s board and staff to grow the association’s membership, expand national partnerships that advance the live entertainment sector, and empower members with resources to strengthen the future of live entertainment. Parker also promotes diversity and equity across independent venues and ensures that music and comedy venues, festivals and promoters have a voice at the federal, state and local levels.

Before NIVA, Parker served as Director of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs at the National Governors Association, as an Advisor at the Country Music Association, as Senior Policy Advisor at the National Guard, as Senior Special Assistant in the Office of Governor Tim Kaine, and as Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at a national venture capital firm. Parker is a member of the Country Music Association (CMA) Board of Directors and Vice Chair of the CMA Foundation Board of Directors.

Parker holds a Master’s Degree from Harvard University, a Bachelor’s Degree from Longwood University, an Associate’s Degree from Southside Virginia Community College, and is a graduate of the Sorensen Institute Political Leadership Program at the University of Virginia.