Meet the President: Kash Parks
I was born and raised in Seminole, Okemah, and Prague, Oklahoma — small towns steeped in community spirit, resilience, and timeless values rooted in family and service. My earliest memories reflect the rhythm of rural life and the quiet pride that comes from being part of a family that believed in hard work, helping neighbors, and honoring our roots.
From a young age, I was immersed in a legacy of service and entrepreneurship. My family operated Parks Brothers Funeral Service and Parks Brothers Hardware, both established in the early 1900s. Like many kids in small towns, I pitched in wherever I could — mowing lawns, setting up tents for graveside services, helping with bookkeeping, and eventually working night shifts as a clerk. These were more than chores; they were formative lessons in humility, responsibility, and the importance of showing up when it matters most.
Education was a cornerstone of my upbringing. I graduated from Prague High School with a deep belief that hard work and curiosity could build something meaningful. That belief led me to the University of Oklahoma, and shortly after, to a lifelong calling: serving Native communities through housing and community development.
I began my career at the Housing Authority of the Seminole Nation, starting in the Finance Department and later serving as Housing Director. From day one, I witnessed both the complexity and urgency of housing needs in Indian Country. What began as a job quickly became a mission.
That mission brought me to the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, where I worked as a Compliance Specialist in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. That experience ultimately led me to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where I have served affordable housing communities for nearly 16 years. In various roles, I’ve had the honor of supporting tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) across the country — reviewing applications, leading technical assistance, developing policy, and building lasting partnerships. Throughout it all, I’ve remained grounded in the values I was raised with: integrity, respect, and a deep belief in the power of community.
Beyond my professional work, I find balance and joy in the outdoors and in everyday experiences. I enjoy hiking in Sedona and Usery Mountain Regional Park, cheering for the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Arizona Cardinals football teams, and traveling whenever the opportunity arises. At home, I like tackling projects, wandering through the hardware store for inspiration, and going to concerts with family and friends. Family remains the center of my life, providing perspective, strength, and purpose.
Today, I continue that mission through DK Tribal. We are built to serve. We bring experience, heart, and practical expertise to every project because we believe that every community — no matter how small — deserves safe homes, strong programs, and the opportunity to thrive.
