Darrel was hired by the City of Walker in 1998 to serve as the Planning Director. He held that position until 2004 when he was appointed as the Assistant City Manager, a post he held until August of 2014. At that time, the City Commission appointed Darrel as the Interim City Manager following the retirement of the current City Manager. In October 2014, the City Commission removed the Interim title and formally appointed Darrel as the City Manager.
Prior to joining the City of Walker, Darrel served as both the Planning Director and Planner for Cascade Charter Township for over 10 years. Before that, he served for 2 years as a Planner for the City of Elkhart, Indiana.
He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning from Northern Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Western Michigan University. He is a member of the International City Management Association as well as their local Chapter - the Michigan Municipal Executives. He continues to retain his American Institute of Certified Planners designation and memberships with the American Planning Association and Michigan Society of Planning. Darrel also represents the City of Walker on many regional boards, committees, and collaborative efforts. Outside of the office, Darrel serves on the All Saints Academy Board of Directors and has taught Junior Achievement classes to elementary students for over 15 years.