Darius Maynard, 31
Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Central GA, Inc.
Tell us about your calling. What brought you to your career field?
My calling is all about faith. I believe God put this desire in me early, to help people who want to do better but don’t always have the access or support to get there. I grew up seeing that all the time. Smart, capable folks doing their best with what they had. That shaped me. It gave me a heart for service and a drive to open doors for others.
One of my biggest influences was 4-H. It gave me exposure, mentorship, and showed me there was more out there. That’s what brought me to this work. I see philanthropy like ministry – taking care of resources, lifting up people and communities, and being part of real change. This isn’t just a job for me – it’s my purpose. I’m walking in what I was made to do.
What other activities are you involved in where you contribute to your community? Especially mention what you’re most excited about.
I’m actively involved in organizations that allow me to serve and grow. As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., I engage in service and mentorship efforts that uplift our communities. I’m also mentored through 100 Black Men of Macon-Middle Georgia, where I learn from men who model excellence and integrity. I remain connected to 4-H as an alumnus, giving back to a program that shaped my leadership journey. I also serve on the board for Communities in Schools of Central Georgia, helping students stay on track, graduate, and reach their potential. What excites me most right now is teaching American Government at the college level. It’s a chance to equip students to understand how government works and why their engagement matters.
What are you personally committed to accomplishing in Macon and why?
I’m all in on helping change how folks in Macon see themselves and their future. Too many people get held back by what they think they can’t do or by the barriers stacked against them. Breaking through that mindset is key to real, lasting change.
Macon is home for me. I’ve seen the struggles and the strength here. I want to help build a vibe of hope and resilience, especially for young people and families, so they can dream bigger and go after the life they deserve. This comes from my faith and my love for this city. I truly believe God put me here to help make Macon a place where everybody has a chance to thrive.
How do you think Macon is aligning to open the door wider for more people to feel included and share in our success? How has that shaped your values and actions?
Macon is beginning to open the door wider by being more intentional about who’s at the table, who’s being heard, and who’s actually benefiting from the progress.
There’s a growing understanding that inclusion isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a responsibility. That means creating space not just for representation, but for leadership. It means investing in people, not just projects. And it means building systems that give folks a real chance to show up fully and succeed.
At my core, I’m driven by faith, legacy, and the belief that we rise higher when we rise together. If the door is opening, I’m not just walking through it, I’m holding it open and making sure it stays open for the ones coming next.
What does it mean to be a good leader?
One thing that’s always stuck with me is something Georgia Supreme Court Justice Verda Colvin said: “If service is beneath you, then leadership is beyond you.” That hit home for me. If you’re too good to serve, then you’re more than likely not built to lead. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about being the one people can trust when it matters most. It’s knowing when to step forward and when to step back so others can rise.
And at the end of the day, I always come back to what 4-H taught me: Did I leave it better than I found it? That’s what leadership really means to me.