Vernon Parks serves as the Program Area Manager for the Submarine Warfare Area at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory since July 2019, leading efforts to enhance US submarine capabilities. Prior to this role, Vernon held various senior executive positions within the US Navy, including Director of the Results Delivery Office and Chief Strategist at the Chief of Naval Personnel, where innovative personnel systems were developed. Additional experience includes serving as Senior Staff Director at The Joint Staff and multiple leadership roles in submarine operations, strategy, and nuclear propulsion management. Vernon holds a BA in Political Science from Penn State University, an MBA from Brenau University, an MS in National Security Studies from the National War College, and Master-level Certification in Nuclear Engineering from the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command.