Darlene Sparks
Darlene Sparks is an economic development and community engagement professional currently serving as Manager of Investor and Stakeholder Relations at Sumter Economic Development in Sumter, South Carolina. In this role, she focuses on strengthening relationships with investors, business leaders, and community partners to support regional growth initiatives and economic advancement. With a background in corporate affairs, marketing, and management, Darlene is known for her strategic, relationship-centered approach and her ability to connect people, resources, and opportunities in ways that drive meaningful economic impact.
Prior to joining Sumter Economic Development, Darlene spent nearly eight years at SAFE Federal Credit Union, where she held progressive leadership roles including Membership Development Officer, Branch Manager, and Assistant Branch Manager. During her tenure, she supported membership growth, branch performance optimization, and community-focused financial empowerment initiatives. Her experience emphasized stakeholder engagement, operational effectiveness, and service-driven leadership, equipping her with skills that translate directly into her work in economic development.
Darlene holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Northcentral University and a Bachelor of Science from Charleston Southern University, where she was active in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She remains actively engaged in her community through volunteer leadership roles, including serving as a Worship Leader at Alice Drive Baptist Church and as Bookkeeper for the Sumter Junior Welfare League. In addition to her professional and civic commitments, Darlene is the wife of a law enforcement officer, a mother of four, and a coach for stepfamilies—bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to her work supporting families, strengthening communities, and advancing inclusive economic growth.
• Northcentral University - MBA
• Top 10 under 40
• Alice Drive Baptist Church
• SUMTER JUNIOR WELFARE LEAGUE
• SHE (See Her Empowered)
• SUMTER PREGNANCY CENTER
• Alice Drive Middle School
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the challenges I faced early in life and the determination those experiences instilled in me. Through reflection and meaningful conversations, I came to recognize how adversity shaped my resilience and drive to succeed. Perseverance and hard work have been central to my journey, and overcoming obstacles has not only strengthened my character but also made each achievement more meaningful.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to remain resilient, work hard, and never stop learning—because continued growth is essential to long-term success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering my industry to remain humble, stay curious, and be eager to learn at every stage of their careers. Determination and consistency are essential—success rarely happens overnight, but commitment and resilience will carry you forward. Drawing from my own journey as a single mother who began her career in a credit union and advanced through leadership roles, I’ve learned that believing in yourself and embracing growth opportunities can open doors you never imagined. It is also important to maintain balance by investing in your well-being and interests outside of work, whether through sports, fitness, or reading, as these pursuits help build discipline, confidence, and perspective.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of my biggest challenges is balancing the diverse and sometimes competing priorities of investors, businesses, and community stakeholders while keeping long-term regional impact at the forefront. Economic development requires aligning public and private interests, navigating limited resources, and building trust across sectors that move at different paces.
Another challenge is adapting to constant change—whether driven by market shifts, workforce needs, or evolving community expectations. Remaining responsive while maintaining strategic focus requires flexibility, strong communication, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Finally, relationship-driven work demands patience and persistence. Progress is often incremental, and success is not always immediately visible. Sustaining momentum, managing expectations, and demonstrating value over time are ongoing challenges that require consistency, resilience, and intentional engagement.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my professional and personal life are integrity, resilience, service, and continuous growth. I believe in showing up with honesty and accountability, building trust through consistency, and leading with purpose. Resilience has shaped my journey, teaching me to navigate challenges with determination and perspective, while service grounds my work in impact beyond individual success.
Equally important is a commitment to lifelong learning and balance. I value personal growth, curiosity, and self-reflection, as well as investing in family, faith, and well-being. Together, these values guide how I lead, build relationships, and contribute to my community.