North Texas-Based Southland Holdings Adds Tan Parker to Board, Citing Public and Private-Sector Experience

Southland Holdings tapped Tan Parker for its board of directors, bringing legislative expertise and private-sector deal experience to the Grapevine-based infrastructure construction company.

“Parker brings a distinguished combination of public service and private sector experience to Southland,” the company said in announcing the appointment, effective May 19.

Parker will serve in a personal capacity, separate from his duties in the legislature.

The Texas State Senator—who represents District 12, which includes all of Wise County and parts of Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties—currently chairs the Senate Republican Caucus and previously served as Chair of the House Financial Services Committee.

In the legislature, Parker has led initiatives on artificial intelligence, AI governance, cybersecurity, and capital markets. He spearheaded legislative efforts to develop the Texas Stock Exchange and support new satellite NYSE and NASDAQ exchanges in Texas. In 2024, he was named to the inaugural class of Dallas Innovates’ AI 75, the top artificial intelligence innovators in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Parker’s business background includes founding Applied Business Strategies and co-founding medical technology ventures MagnaSci Biotechnology Funds and Septum Solutions. He also chaired the Texas Industrial Development Corporation’s infrastructure investment fund.

According to Southland Holdings, Parker’s career began at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, and he served as regional vice president at Computer Sciences Corporation. Parker holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dallas and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics. He also sits on the University of Dallas Board of Trustees.

The company said the appointment fills a vacant board seat at Southland, which describes itself as a leading provider of specialized infrastructure construction services. The company serves markets including bridges, tunneling, communications, transportation, marine projects, steel structures, and water systems.

Founded in 1900, Southland has grown into one of North America’s largest infrastructure construction companies and trades on the NYSE American exchange under the symbols SLND and SLND WS.