Darlene joined the Charleston Parks Conservancy in June 2023 as Executive Director and CEO. Prior to her role at the Conservancy, she worked for two decades in leadership Charlotte NC Municipal Service Districts working to build vibrant, livable communities. She has deep experience in business development, urban planning, advocacy, marketing, communications, public relations. As part of her work, she advocated for and helped develop parks and open spaces and greenways across the city. She is known for having strong and effective relationships with municipals partners, elected officials, community, non-profit and business leaders and a solid track record for advancing and completing priorities. Prior to her work in Municipal Improvement District leadership for Charlotte Center City Partners and University City Partners, Darlene worked for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Schools as Director of Strategic Partnerships and the CMS Foundation.
She serves on the boards of SHARE Charlotte (immediate past chairperson) and EnvisionCharlotte (chairperson) and is a member of CREW Charlotte and ULI Charlotte. Darlene graduated from The Ohio State University and lives in Charleston with her two pups. She is an avid gardener and landscaper and loves food, wine and traveling.
