Tennessee Wildlife Federation is excited to welcome Darren Parker as its Director of Development. Darren brings two decades of experience in fundraising and development and has a keen eye for donor engagement.
Darren grew up in Kingsport, TN, where he developed a strong appreciation for the outdoors and natural resources in Tennessee. He manages a rhubarb farm on his family’s land in southwest Virginia and enjoys hiking, biking, and spending time outdoors.
Darren joins the Federation with nearly 20 years of development and fundraising expertise from esteemed institutions such as the University of Miami, University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Johns Hopkins Medicine. At the University of Miami, Darren served as assistant vice president for medical development and alumni relations, where he demonstrated strategic vision and leadership through three years of campaigns and fundraising programs.
At the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Darren managed all fundraising operations as interim associate dean for development, achieving remarkable success and securing significant gifts, including the largest single gift in the school’s history. His tenure at Johns Hopkins Medicine and King University further showcases his ability to oversee comprehensive development operations and achieve fundraising goals.
Most of Darren’s career has been in university settings, but he has always been involved with nonprofit organizations through volunteering and other roles. When he moved to Nashville, he wanted to find a job that fit his values and served a specific need.
Darren is excited to join the Federation’s mission of conserving Tennessee’s wildlife and wild places. As director of development, he is looking forward to connecting with the outdoorsman community and sharing the conservation message across the state.
“It is meaningful for me to be part of a dedicated organization like Tennessee Wildlife Federation that is working hard to ensure our rivers, wildlife, and other natural resources are not wasted. My goal is to bring people from all different backgrounds and viewpoints together in support of seeing Tennessee’s beautiful resources restored and conserved.”
Darren Parker, Director of Development
