The staff here at District Four Coalition wants to express our gratitude to our Executive Director, Darlene Urban Garrett, with today being her final day in that role. Throughout her tenure at D4C, Darlene has inspired us all with her generosity, tireless work ethic, inspirational leadership, professionalism, and commitment to the organization’s purpose and mission.
“One of the first things I noticed when I began my employment at D4C was the abundance of snacks at the office and the frequent food deliveries for the various board and committee meetings. I thought “wow, this organization must have a huge food budget”, lol. It was only after several months that I realized that Darlene provided almost all those snacks and meals for our volunteers out of pocket. She never let folks know, she just did it to make the community feel welcome and comfortable, something that everyone experienced whether you were a staff member, volunteer, or city councilor. That’s just one example of her generosity and commitment to building and nurturing community. Thank you, Darlene! “
Carl Hinds, D4C Program Manager
“Every so often you meet people that prove there is true good in humanity. Darlene is one of these people. She isn’t one to speak of idealistic hopes and then hope the universe makes it happen. She makes it happen. She puts action behind her ideas and doesn’t let the noise stop her from doing the right thing. If the world were full of leaders like Darlene, we would all be better off. I have appreciated her consistent and sometimes brutal honesty. It’s a trait that I don’t encounter often and it’s refreshing. I know that when she says something, it’s real. She doesn’t coat detritus with flowers. She lets you know the facts. I am honored to have worked with and gotten to know this wonderful woman.”
Heather Knopf, D4C IT and Communications Specialist
“I have known Darlene for years, before coming to work here at D4C. When she gets behind a passion, she puts her whole focus on that passion. Her passion has a way of becoming her life. With all her life and professional experiences, she brought energy to NWNW and eventually D4C. She has improved the organization from one where there were no confirmed responsibilities for staff. She brought energy, as well as food, to the current staff even after she told us that she was leaving. I will miss her, but I know that she will move on to a new passion.”
Marie Gerke, D4C Bookkeeper/Office Manager