From Alum to Event Leader: Darcy Palan Steps into New Role at DMACC Foundation

DMACC alum Darcy Palan is stepping into a new role as Event and Operations Specialist for the DMACC Foundation, bringing years of relationship-building and behind-the-scenes expertise to the forefront.

A graduate of the DMACC Boone Campus with a background in business and healthcare administration and family roots in rural Iowa, Darcy has spent the past five years at the Foundation building connections with donors, volunteers, and community partners.

Darcy's path started in healthcare, where she worked as a medical manager overseeing new clinic openings and front desk teams. While she loved the work, it was a demanding field while raising three children. So, when the opportunity to return "home" to DMACC arose, Darcy saw a chance to pair her administrative and problem-solving skills with meaningful work in a more balanced environment.

She'd volunteered at community events like the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life and for the American Heart Association, so it was a natural fit to bring that experience to the Foundation's events and fundraising.

One of the most meaningful aspects of her time at the Foundation, Darcy said, has been meeting so many people connected to the college, and learning about the various ways DMACC has shaped people's lives.

"My goal is to foster and grow those relationships, to build an understanding of the amazing work happening at DMACC and the Foundation," Darcy said. "That's the big thing: getting new faces here, getting people involved."

For six months, Darcy was the only employee at the DMACC Foundation, after the previous Executive Director and Associate Director departed the college in summer 2025 for other opportunities in the philanthropy and fundraising world.

During that time, Darcy learned just how much she already knew about the ins and outs of the Foundation, and her managerial skills kicked back into gear as she kept operations afloat until Executive Director Amanda Nuzum joined in January 2026.

"Darcy has been instrumental in keeping the Foundation running and continuing to serve DMACC students," Amanda Nuzum wrote in a college-wide email congratulating Darcy on her new position. "I am looking forward to Darcy's strong communication skills, relationship development, creativity, and passion for student success through funds raised by Foundation efforts."

The new position was created to more evenly spread out the responsibilities of the Foundation, Nuzum said.

For Darcy, it's an opportunity to do what she loves and excels in.

As Events & Operations Specialist, Darcy will organize the events she's long supported as an administrator and serve as the primary connection point for donors and partners. Her focus is on strengthening relationships, welcoming new faces into the DMACC Foundation community, and helping more students access opportunities - especially through the Foundation's nearly $2 million in scholarships, available via one simple application.

Darcy's work will play a key role in further integrating the Foundation with DMACC's mission, strategic priorities, and growing alumni network.

"I'm excited to build our staff and continue to grow the Foundation," Darcy said. "As we get into the community, so many opportunities materialize: we'll be able to do more, fundraise more, work with our Foundation Board more, and continue our mission of connecting with and supporting DMACC students."

To learn more about the DMACC Foundation, visit foundation.dmacc.edu.