Joe Edward Sparks, Ph.D.
QUALIFICATIONS
Dr. Sparks has thirty-five years of experience as both an
internal and external resource in designing and implementing
change strategies for private industry, federal space and
defense agencies, and multi-levels of educational institutions.
He is skilled at advanced technology management and the design
of business processes and people systems. He has broad expertise
and strengths in the areas of Board development and governance
systems, strategic market development, strategic planning
and execution, and developing and managing systems for external
relations and coalitions.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Under a contract/employment agreement with Analytical Services,
Inc., of Huntsville, AL, Dr. Sparks was Program Manager
for ASI’s Advocacy Planning & Development Contract
with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center for the
Space Launch Initiative (SLI). SLI was the first iteration
of our nation’s investment plan and business model
to replace the Shuttle and to ensure global leadership
in space. Dr. Sparks led a team to create and manage the
advocacy planning and development systems and tools, nurture
the learning and performance of SLI’s management
team, and shape the culture to ensure continuous advocacy
for revolutionizing space transportation.
As Founder & President of Enterprise Architects, Inc.,
Dr. Sparks forged a corporate base for strategic alliances
with professional associates who can make a difference in
the futures of client organizations. EAI helps enterprises
design and implement successful marketing and business strategies
through listening, mentoring, planning, and problem-solving
so that clients can perform long after EAI has gone.
As Chief Executive Officer of Management Resource Group,
LLC (Nashville, TN), Dr. Sparks coordinated the market penetration
strategy for the Huntsville, AL high technology marketplace,
contracting and mentoring executive management teams of five
new clients. As Chairman of the Corporate Improvement Council
and the Inter-Divisional Engineers Association at Teledyne,
Inc., Dr. Sparks installed an intra-corporate Capability
Improvement System among eighteen advanced technology companies—identifying,
adapting, and integrating best strategic and operational
practices in technology management, procurement, information
systems, quality systems, manufacturing, and operations.
As Deputy Division Manager of Teledyne Brown Engineering’s
Systems Analysis and Technology Division, Dr. Sparks planned
and directed the corporate business plan of this strategic
business unit of 600 engineers, physicists, analysts, marketing
specialists, support personnel, and nine national field offices,
from $50M to more than $100M. At The University of Alabama
in Huntsville, Dr. Sparks’ role as Chief Development
Officer enabled him to establish substantive coalitions with
national and local corporate CEOs for mutual organizational
benefit.
As Associate Dean of the College and Assistant Dean of Students
at Birmingham-Southern College, Dr. Sparks developed a five-year
strategic plan for the College, including student-managed
co-curricular lecture and entertainment activities with strong
planning and accountability systems for maximum student learning.
As Dean of Men at Mercer University, Dr. Sparks championed
and nurtured the institution’s hallmark of progressive
student development through political and social involvement.
EDUCATIONAL AND ACADEMIC SUMMARY
Dr. Sparks received his B.A. from Wake Forest College, his
Masters from Vanderbilt University, and his Ph.D. from The
University of Alabama. He has held an Adjunct Associate Professor
Faculty Chair at Vanderbilt University, Adjunct Chairs and
Special Lectureships at three other major institutions of
higher education, at the Defense Systems Management School,
at the U.S. Army Logistics Management College, and at the
U. S. Army Engineering Management College.
Back to Top |
