Darryl Washington Named New CEO for Jefferson County Greenways
“Through the search process, we met with passionate and accomplished leaders,” said Dr. Melva Tate, Board Chair. “Darryl stood out for his vision, emotional intelligence, and deep experience bridging nonprofits and public institutions. We’re thrilled to welcome him back to Jefferson County Greenways in this leadership role.”
Washington most recently served as the founding director of the City of Montgomery’s Department of Economic & Community Development. Prior to that, as Director of Operations & Programs at Urban Impact Inc., he spearheaded an organizational transformation that significantly boosted fundraising on behalf of Black entrepreneurs in Birmingham and created programs, including “4th Avenue Forward” to catalyze the revitalization of Birmingham’s Historic Civil Rights District.
Earlier in his career, as an Economic Development Consultant for the City of Irondale, he was instrumental in drafting the city’s first comprehensive plan and modernizing its business recruitment and retention efforts.
“This is an exciting time for Jefferson County Greenways as the public Commission and nonprofit Foundation work together to establish the organization as the go-to steward of Jefferson County’s large greenspaces,” said Jennifer Andress, member of Jefferson County Greenways Commission. “We are so excited to have Darryl Washington at the helm- it’s the perfect fit for us moving forward.”
Washington also brings a long-standing connection to the region’s greenspaces. A former board member and Board Chair at Ruffner Mountain, he played a key role in envisioning a unified county-wide greenways system. An avid park user and outdoor enthusiast, he brings both professional and personal passion to his new role.
“Birmingham has always been home, and I am excited to return to lead an organization that exemplifies the spirit of regional collaboration, grassroots activism, and equitable access to the outdoors,” says Washington. “Together, we will ensure that our greenspaces continue to serve as places of inspiration, health, and connection for generations to come."
Washington’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Jefferson County Greenways as it continues its mission to preserve and enhance the region’s greenspaces. With a proven track record in public-private partnerships, community development, and nonprofit leadership, he brings the vision and expertise needed to guide the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact.
Learn more about Jefferson County Greenways and the public-private partnership.