Darden Copeland moved to Nashville in 2008 and considers himself a “local” but not a “native.” He met his wife, Natalie, through divine intervention (ask him how), and two kids later, middle Tennessee has become his forever home.

Darden is the Founder and CEO of the Calvert Street Group, a national public affairs firm headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Since founding Calvert Street, Darden has led strategic efforts on behalf of businesses, non-profits, governments, trade associations, and advocacy coalitions in highly regulated and political environments across North America. His firm focuses on land use, energy infrastructure, and issue advocacy, with particular expertise in managing complex, high-stakes campaigns at the intersection of business, politics, and public opinion.

Under Darden’s leadership, the team at Calvert Street has executed campaigns in 46 U.S. states and multiple provinces in Canada. The firm is nationally recognized for its work in public affairs strategy, stakeholder engagement, and ballot initiative management. Darden has also led several high-profile preservation campaigns, including the successful grassroots effort to preserve the historic Tennessee State Prison, RCA Studio A, the Exit/In, and other endangered architectural landmarks.

Earlier in his career, Darden served as a campaign manager and political strategist on a number of congressional and presidential campaigns, where he gained deep experience in grassroots organizing, coalition building, and electoral communications. These experiences laid the foundation for his later work bridging public policy, commercial interests, and civic engagement.

Beyond his professional work, Darden and his wife have purchased and renovated several historic properties in downtown Nashville, reflecting his long-standing commitment to architectural heritage, adaptive re-use, and urban revitalization. He sits on the board of Historic Nashville, Inc. a non-profit 501(c)3 with a mission to promote and preserve the historic places that make Nashville unique. He also sits on the board of the Nashville Wine Auction, which raises money for local cancer charities, and has a little fun doing it.

In his spare time, Darden loves to spend time with his wife, Natalie, their two kids, and rescue dog, Kathy. They are active members of Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville, where Darden serves as an Elder, and both served as Youth Group Leaders for nearly a decade. Darden enjoys live music, stand-up comedy, and coaching his kids sports teams.