Appointment of New Court Executive Officer
Mr. Parker will be replacing Gary M. Blair, who recently announced his retirement, after 34 years as the Court’s Executive Officer.
Mr. Parker has served the Santa Barbara Superior Court for the past five months as Chief Deputy Executive Officer. Prior to the Chief Deputy position, Mr. Parker was the Court’s Assistant Executive Officer since 1999. Mr. Parker has a Bachelors Degree from Drew University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, with a specialization in Court Administration, from the University of Southern California.
Prior to coming to Santa Barbara County, he worked in a variety of assignments for the Los Angeles Superior Court. He was involved in some high-profile cases, including People v. Rodney King, Heidi Fleiss, Charles Keating and O.J. Simpson. These experiences were useful later as Mr. Parker was responsible for the operations surrounding the People vs. Michael Jackson case, which was held in Santa Maria in 2005.
Upon assuming his first duties, Mr. Parker successfully merged the operations of what were then the separate Municipal and Superior Courts of Northern Santa Barbara County. During his service to the Court, Mr. Parker was appointed as the Court’s Project Manager for the construction of a new Juvenile Court, in Santa Maria. He was also the Court’s Project Manager during the construction of a new 18,650-square-foot, consolidated clerk’s office in Santa Maria.
Mr. Parker has co-authored articles on Court Community Communication published in The Court Manager and Judicature; and is an instructor with the Center for Judicial Education and Research on the topics of Leadership and Court Community Communication.
He has served as a Past President of the Board of Directors of the Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center and has been a member of the Elk’s Lodge #1538, of Santa Maria, for the past 15 years. He is a youth soccer coach for Orcutt United Soccer League; and also serves as a leader with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 93, in Orcutt.
“I am honored that the judges of Santa Barbara Superior Court have put their trust in me to serve this Court in a higher capacity. It is especially challenging during these economically difficult times. I look forward to working with the Bench, the legal community and the dedicated professional employees of this organization to serve the community and provide access to justice for all citizens where they can resolve their disputes and reconcile relationships.”
Presiding Judge Arthur Garcia stated, “Mr. Parker is a proven asset to the court and I am looking forward to continuing a strong working relationship. Darrel is well liked and respected by his colleagues and peers and I anticipate a seamless transition.”
