Steph (Parker) Drake was born in Sacramento, California and is part of a family with strong military service. Steph is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy (2005) where she majored in Oceanography and played Center midfielder for the Navy women's soccer team. Steph is the Executive Director of NextOp, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in Houston, Texas. Steph was named to her current position in August, 2019.
In 2005 Steph commissioned as a US Marine Officer, serving 8 years active duty before transitioning to the reserves and moving to Houston. During her time serving our country, Steph held multiple roles at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Camp Lejeune, and Marine Barracks Washington, 8th & I. Steph deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2007-2008) as the Executive Officer for Security Company, Combat Logistics Battalion-8 and Officer-In-Charge of Fallujah's first Sisters of Fallujah program. Her other roles included Aerial Port Officer-In-Charge, Company Commander, Logistics Officer, and Regimental Operations Officer. Steph had the honor of being selected to the 8th & I ceremonial drill staff, marching in numerous ceremonies and formal parades in the National CapitalCapitol Region honoring distinguished guests and service members and representing the Marine Corps to the general public. While on active duty Steph earned her MBA from Boston University.
Steph left the active duty Marine Corps in 2013, moving to Houston to start a successful career with Shell Oil Company. Steph's roles at Shell included Contracting & Procurement, Materials Management, and Logistics Operations. Most recently, Steph led the Shell Lubricants Supply Chain logistics operations team for the south & west of North America. Steph is a Marine Corps reservist and has served as the Houston Marine for Life Representative since February 2018, connecting Marines to local resources for various needs. She is also a Blue and Gold Officer for the US Naval Academy. Steph and her husband Taylor, also a US Marine and Naval Academy graduate, reside in Houston with their three young children.