Jessica Parra, DBA

Jessica is the Director of Operations for the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She has over twenty years of experience in higher education administration and operations management. She has built a career that optimizes academic and operational efficiencies, particularly in staff leadership and university collaboration. Jessica's experience spans multiple aspects of institutional missions, including strategic planning, staff development, and cooperation among university departments.

She was drawn to the Harte Research Institute by its inspiring mission to advance the conservation and sustainable use of coastal ecosystems. As part of her role, she will work closely with executive leadership to manage budgets, streamline operations, and foster collaboration among HRI's diverse teams.

Jessica loves traveling and enjoys spending time with her family along the Texas coast in her free time. These experiences have not only enriched her personal life but also provided her with a deeper understanding of the coastal ecosystems that HRI is dedicated to preserving. She also enjoys gardening and spending time with her dogs, Toby and Sadie, but she especially cherishes the times she has with her children and granddaughter.