Darnell Billups

Darnell Billups, DOL, SPHR, LBC, is an accomplished leader in workforce and safety strategy, currently serving as Senior Manager for Manufacturing Safety & People Strategy at NVR, Inc., where oversight includes 2,000+ employees across 11 sites. Darnell's expertise encompasses Lean systems thinking, compliance, and workforce transformation, contributing to significant advancements in retention, onboarding, and leadership development. Additionally, Darnell is the Chapter Founder and Strategic Advisor for the SME National Capital Region, fostering inclusive workforce development. Previous roles include Director of Program Management for the Tennessee Department of Education, where oversight impacted 900K students and 1,800 public schools, and a successful tenure in the United States Marine Corps as Captain, focusing on talent strategy and leadership development. Darnell holds a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering and English from the United States Naval Academy, multiple advanced degrees including a Doctor of Organizational Leadership from Hood College, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from The Broad Center.