Deputy director of business operations reflects on his military career, LM’s 20-year anniversary, and his work at LM
November 2, 2023
minute read time
As part of LM’s 20-year anniversary celebration, this is one in a series of profiles of current and former LM employees who address various aspects of the LM mission.
Edwin “Doc” Parks is celebrating 13 years at the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management this year. During his career at LM, Parks has received recognition multiple times for his hard work and contributions to LM’s mission and has quickly moved through the organization’s ranks.
Prior to LM, Parks served in the military, holding numerous nuclear operations command and staff positions including working for U.S. Air Force Headquarters, the Joint Staff, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and numerous U.S. Air Force units. After more than 27 years in the U.S. Air Force, Parks joined LM in September 2010 as a records management program analyst supporting records and information programs, policies, procedures, plans, budgets, and operational analyses.
LM senior staff then promoted Parks to lead the Archives and Information Management Team where he served as the LM program records official, authorizing official, federal official accountable for risks associated with LM’s information systems, and Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act point of contact.
“Since starting at LM in 2010, I’ve been very proud to be a part of team that has continued to fulfill its mission by protecting human health and the environment. I’m honored to be a small part of this important work and be able to celebrate LM’s accomplishments over the years,” Parks said.
In February 2023, LM Director Carmelo Melendez swore in Parks as deputy director for business operations at a ceremony at the Legacy Management Business Center in Morgantown, West Virginia. Since then, Parks has assumed a variety of functions within LM, including overseeing LM’s records and information technology management program, continuity of post-closure and retiree benefits for eligible former contractor employees, and real and personal property programs. Parks has also taken on strategic planning, program integration, finance and budgeting, human capital operations, and acquisition responsibilities.
“Every person in this organization works hard and strives to find new ways in which we can improve. I’m humbled and fortunate to be a part of LM’s history and future,” he added. “Teamwork is essential to LM’s success. Whether you’re serving on a two-person or 800-person project, nothing is ever accomplished alone.”
Parks’ colleagues have also felt his hard work and dedication to LM and its mission. LM Archives and Information Management IT Specialist and Supervisor Bob Walker has worked closely with Parks throughout the years at the LMBC in Morgantown.
“Doc has been an exceptional leader for Legacy Management, and he has done so from any chair, now in his third position for LM. He is intelligent and sharp, compassionate, and dedicated, he out works us all. However, the attribute I most admire is his integrity,” Walker said. “Doc’s presence makes LM a better place every day. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with and for him for many years.”
As for LM’s future, Parks currently manages operations at more than 101 sites in the United States and Puerto Rico that are closed and no longer support DOE’s mission. It is likely several more sites will transition to LM over the next few years.
“LM’s long-term nature of work makes it even more important for us to constantly look for new, innovative solutions to tomorrow’s challenge’s and always stay several steps ahead of the next issue or problem,” Parks said. “My part is ensuring that everything is properly supported and runs smoothly, and we have everything we need to continue LM’s mission over the next 20 years.”
While reflecting, Parks also expressed enthusiasm and excitement for LM’s future.
“LM is a really amazing place and I’m excited to see what all we accomplish in the years to come. From the leadership at the highest level to the teamwork among the staff, I know that LM will continue to reach new heights.”