Dr. Sheila M. Parson
Dr. Sheila M. Parson is a distinguished executive leader, U.S. Army veteran, nonprofit founder, workforce development professional, and community advocate with more than 30 years of experience spanning human resources, payroll operations, talent acquisition, organizational development, mentorship, event management, and nonprofit leadership. She is the Founder and CEO of The QSA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting homeless children and military families across multiple states, and Founder & CEO of The QSA Group LLC, a recognized minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned business specializing in leadership, workforce development, community engagement, training, and event planning.
Dr. Parson currently serves as a Senior Payroll Coordinator with United Airlines, where she supports critical payroll operations while continuing her longstanding commitment to workforce excellence, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness. Prior to this role, she built an accomplished career with AT&T, serving in leadership positions including Lead Talent Acquisition Manager for Technology and Field Operations teams after beginning her career with the Bell companies in 1994. Earlier in her professional journey, she also gained valuable experience with IBM. Her expertise includes payroll operations, human resources, talent strategy, workforce planning, organizational leadership, technology recruitment, mentorship programming, and employee development. She has earned certifications in project management, training, human resources, technology, and leadership development.
A passionate servant leader, Dr. Parson has dedicated decades to community service, mentoring, and advocacy. Through The QSA Foundation, she has led initiatives benefiting thousands of homeless children, veterans, and military families by organizing annual holiday celebrations, veteran stand-down events, fundraisers, scholarship initiatives, and community programs providing meals, clothing, shoes, school supplies, and essential resources. Under her leadership, the organization has operated entirely through volunteers since its founding in 2001.
Dr. Parson’s extensive leadership portfolio includes serving as President, Chairperson, Board Member, and executive leader across numerous civic, military, professional, educational, and nonprofit organizations. Her service has included leadership within veteran organizations, chambers of commerce, scholarship foundations, economic development committees, employee resource groups, and community boards. She has developed mentoring platforms for veterans, women in leadership, and corporate professionals while facilitating learning circles, coaching programs, and leadership development initiatives nationwide.
Her military service began with enlistment in the United States Army in 1989. After completing Officer Candidate School, she advanced to serve as a Captain and Company Commander, leading soldiers in command and operational roles before concluding her military career in 2001. Her military background continues to influence her dedication to veterans’ advocacy, mentorship, and public service.
Known for executing large-scale events with excellence, Dr. Parson has planned and managed fundraisers, conferences, scholarship galas, veteran initiatives, weddings, concerts, leadership forums, nonprofit campaigns, and community celebrations. One of her most notable accomplishments was serving as Super Captain/Training Captain for Super Bowl XL Host Committee, where she trained and supervised approximately 2,000 volunteers in preparation for one of the nation’s largest sporting events.
Dr. Parson’s work has earned numerous honors and recognitions, including multiple U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Gold Awards, gubernatorial and mayoral commendations, corporate leadership awards, military recognition, and national acknowledgments for her contributions to veterans, homelessness initiatives, mentoring, and community service. Her efforts have been recognized across several states for creating impactful programs that strengthen communities and improve lives.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Journalism, a Master’s degree in Business and Human Resource Management, and a PhD in Organizational Development and Human Resources. Additionally, she is a certified trainer, project management professional, HR professional, notary public/signing agent, and experienced leadership facilitator.
Throughout every chapter of her career—from military leadership and corporate excellence to nonprofit service and workforce development—Dr. Parson has remained committed to one mission: creating opportunities, empowering communities, and serving others with purpose.
Dr. Sheila M. Parson continues to exemplify leadership through service—bridging corporate excellence, military dedication, workforce expertise, and nonprofit impact to transform lives nationwide.