A person-oriented organizational leader and nonprofit board director committed to advancing mission-driven organizations, Maria Darby has more than 25 years of driving strategy, transforming businesses, growing organizations, building brand value, and effecting positive change through a career that has spanned nonprofits across the healthcare, education, and enrichment spaces. She is the Chief Operating Officer at The Jack & Nancy Dwyer Workforce Development Center, Inc. (DWD).

As COO, Maria is responsible for operationalizing strategy through oversight and leadership of enterprise-wide functions aligned with short and long-term business goals in Maryland, Florida, and Texas. She oversees all administrative and operational functions; collaborates with the team to lead the strategic planning process; manages direct service lines; drives budgeting and forecasting; and manages DWD’s external and internal communications, partnerships, fund development and donor relations. Maria also ensures the operation of a robust, enterprise-wide compliance function that addresses all relevant federal, state, and local business and nonprofit requirements.