Darlene Watson

Darlene supports communities of Virginia's Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula be competitive and coordinated in securing state and federal resources to improve their long-term resilience. She works with localities, non-profits, businesses, and thought leaders in the region to identify overlapping priorities and cross-jurisdictional opportunities, with the goal of obtaining investments in key infrastructure such as housing and workforce development. 

Darlene previously worked in housing and homelessness services, where she helped communities across the Commonwealth navigate programs, build capacity, and improve outcomes for vulnerable residents. Darlene is passionate about rural community engagement, clear communication, and helping people come together to solve problems creatively. She earned her B.A. in English from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

This role is a partnership with the River Counties Community Foundation and funded by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund.