As Publicity and Promotion Associate, Darra works with local educators and program coordinators to increase the visibility of educational programs, ideas, products, and services of Extension. Her work includes graphic design, copywriting, and social media and website management.

Darra has a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University in Health Studies and has experience managing a medical office, owning a home daycare, being a school administrative assistant, and, along with her husband, owning and working in a retail farm service company and a trucking company. 

She began working for Illinois Extension in 2017 after realizing her desire to work in public relations full time. Darra was a 4-H leader for several years when her two children were involved in 4-H. She continues to serve as Visual Arts Superintendent at the Edgar County 4-H Fair.