Darlene Sparks
Darlene Sparks is a seasoned economic development and community engagement professional who currently serves 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 advance regional growth initiatives. With a strong foundation in corporate affairs, marketing, and management, Darlene is known for her strategic approach to relationship-building and her ability to connect people, resources, and opportunities in ways that drive long-term 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 played a key role in membership growth, branch optimization, and community-focused financial empowerment initiatives. Her work emphasized customer engagement, operational excellence, and service-driven leadership, equipping her with the financial acumen and stakeholder management skills that seamlessly translate into her current role 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. Deeply committed to service, she remains actively involved 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. She is also passionate about empowering others, having helped found a women’s empowerment initiative, and continues to champion collaboration, civic engagement, and inclusive economic growth throughout the region.
• Northcentral University - MBA
• 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 conversations with Heidi and Darlene, I reflected on 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 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 as a credit union employee and now manages a team, I’ve learned that believing in yourself and embracing growth opportunities can open doors you never imagined. It’s 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.