Baker Donelson is pleased to announce that Parker Y. Wiseman has joined the Disaster Recovery and Government Services Team in the Firm's Jackson office.
Mr. Wiseman joins as of counsel and draws on his years of experience as the leader of a midsize municipality to represent clients in navigating issues related to disaster recovery and government services, assisting public and not-for-profit entities, contractors, and industry associations to support grant eligibility and federal procurement compliance. His experience also includes bond transactions, tax increment financing, historic and brownfield redevelopment tax credits, tax abatements, land use, and industrial and commercial real estate development. Mr. Wiseman also has experience in criminal law in the areas of health care and long term care.
Prior to joining Baker Donelson, Mr. Wiseman served in the Mississippi Attorney General's office as the Special Assistant Attorney General where he pursued Medicaid fraud and vulnerable person abuses for prosecution or settlement. In this role, he reviewed 120 cases for prosecution and/or civil settlement and led or aided in the successful prosecution of 34 felony Medicaid fraud, abuse, neglect and exploitation cases.
"Parker brings a unique perspective to our team between his tenure as the mayor of Starkville, Mississippi and his work with the Mississippi Attorney General's office," said Wendy Huff Ellard, co-chair of Baker Donelson's Disaster Recovery and Government Services Group. "His knowledge of state and federal laws, particularly related to disaster preparedness, federal floodplain requirements and federal grant management are a tremendous asset to our team and will allow us to continue to provide exceptional service to our clients."
Mr. Wiseman served two terms as mayor of Starkville, one of the fastest growing cities in Mississippi, where he oversaw millions of dollars in private development, secured votes and funding for a new city hall and police headquarters, helped establish a steering committee to promote economic development in the area, and achieved a Police National Accreditation and a Class 4 Fire Rating.
Scott W. Pedigo, managing shareholder of Baker Donelson's Jackson office, said, "Parker is well-regarded in the state and region and has built up an impressive list of accomplishments. We know that his addition will enhance our capabilities in the disaster recovery space and are pleased to welcome him to the team."
A graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law, Mr. Wiseman received his Bachelor of Arts in political science from Mississippi State University and his Masters of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.