Dexter Parrish was born and raised in Nashville, TN, where he graduated high school and completed his bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication and Theater from Tennessee State University. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. As a Corpsman, he took on various jobs in the medical field to include Intensive Care Corpsman, Surgical Ophthalmic Technician, Field Medical Service Technician, and Naval Instructor. His career included two deployments: Okinawa/Mt. Fuji and a combat deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Upon retiring from the Navy as a Chief Hospital Corpsman, he moved to the Bay Area and found himself drawn to work with the homeless community as a Case Manager for Veterans, a Benefits Specialist, and Homeless Shelter Supervisor. Being a lifelong learner, he pursued and earned his master’s degree in Leadership from Grand Canyon University in 2019. Dexter has a passion for working with youth and high school sports programs, including football, fastpitch softball, strength and conditioning, and speed and agility training. His hobbies include reading, cooking (eating), and many outdoor activities.