Tangela Parker has been appointed Head of Community Affairs & Marketing at Aetna Better Health (ABH), a CVS Health Company.
In her new role, she will advocate for ABH’s brand with internal colleagues, external stakeholders, and the media across all communication channels and vehicles. She will also lead marketing strategy, community affairs, member communications, advertising, and public relations for the Georgia region.
“I am honored and excited to join Aetna Better Health,” Parker said. “It is important that I roll out programs that remove the environmental barriers the underserved communities face when accessing quality healthcare. Additionally, I will create end-to-end solutions to alleviate hunger and provide resources for those residing in food deserts.”
Parker received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Alcorn State University and completed the Executive Leadership Program at Harvard Business School.
Her Alcorn education was heavy in research, logic, and statistics, which helped cultivate her analytical ability and led to a successful marketing career.
According to Parker, her professors, support staff, and dean in the School of Social Sciences required students to operate excellently, empowering her to keep up with societal issues and navigate corporate settings as an African American woman.
“I learned the importance of keeping up with societal issues from Dr. Bernard Cotton, and his expectation for well-written comprehensive briefs in Constitutional Law would rival any Ivy League law professor,” said Parker. “The late Dr. Alpha Morris was the epitome of class and provided guidance on navigating professional settings as an African American woman. Many others were pivotal in my growth and experiences during my enrollment at ASU.”
Throughout her 23-year marketing career, Parker has honed the skills instrumental in her success. She attributes her ability to turn challenges into success to her ambition, dedication, passion, patience, ability to communicate and listen, and discipline. She also stays current with the latest field trends and developments through trade associations, social media, and continuing education opportunities.
As a distinguished Alcorn State University alumna, Parker believes that providing resources such as internships is vital to level the playing field for college students.
“Internships provide industry knowledge and allow early integration into the workforce,” she said. “We have a vested interest and responsibility to provide these resources to the students at Alcorn State University.”
Parker advises current Alcorn State University students interested in pursuing a similar career path to identify a mentor that has proven success in their potential career path. “The mentee/mentorship relationship will impact your career trajectory significantly.”
