Darnell Shields is a charismatic and impactful leader deeply rooted in Chicago’s West Side, particularly in the Austin neighborhood. He serves as the Executive Director of Austin Coming Together (ACT), a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life for Austin residents. Darnell's dedication to Austin is woven into the fabric of his life. He's not just a community leader; he's a local entrepreneur, co-owning HairTech the Salon with his wife of 26 years, demonstrating his commitment to both relationship-building and investing in Austin's growth. Darnell's journey with ACT began in 2010 as a volunteer, where he contributed his expertise in technology and business development. His dedication and skills led to his progression through the organization, ultimately culminating in his appointment as Executive Director in 2016. Under his leadership, ACT is achieving significant milestones, notably the development of the award-winning "Austin Forward. Together." (AFT) quality-of-life plan. This comprehensive strategy, addressing key community issues, has attracted over $150 million in new investments in under five years, including ACT's co-development role in the $47 million Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation. Darnell graduated from the City Colleges of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Chicago, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Entrepreneurship. He has received many individual recognitions, most notably the Mayor’s Medal of Honor for his leadership in Racially Equitable & Rapid COVID Response during the pandemic. Darnell is also active on multiple boards, showing his continued commitment to his community and the city of Chicago.