Darris Upton
Board Member
To give in honor of Darris, click here
Darris Upton is a decorated veteran, serving over a decade in the United States Navy. Upon
returning home to east Tennessee, he earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from
the University of Tennessee College of Social Work.
Currently, Darris serves as Diversity Development Manager for the Office of Knox County Mayor
Glenn Jacobs. In this capacity, Darris works to help Knox County be more inclusive in its’
purchasing, personnel, and building work environment that welcomes all. He also works to
build better relationships between underrepresented communities and the Knox County
Mayor’s Office. Along with his colleagues, Darris works on solutions to problems such as
workforce transportation, disparities in technology access, and strategies to reduce poverty in
Knox County. Darris also works with private sector companies as they seek to build diversity
and inclusion within their organizations. He also serves various community organization
boards, including the Muse, Project Grad and Centro Hispano.
boards, including the Muse, Project Grad and Centro Hispano.