Prior to this, he had served as Vice Chief for six years under Jonathan L. Taylor, who was impeached after two terms.

Parker had represented Painttown on the tribal council for 16 years, and served on numerous committees, helping to develop the EBCI's emergency response capability.

After his return, he worked in business, becoming General Manager of the tribe's Boundary Tree Hotel, an early enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

During this period, Taylor was negotiating with representatives of the state of North Carolina to complete an agreement to allow the EBCI to establish a gaming casino on its property.

[3] Taylor was impeached by the council prior to the inauguration of the winner of the 1995 election for Principal Chief.