Nick Darrah serves as Vice President of Partnerships and Government Relations at NEI, where he leads regional collaboration efforts that strengthen Northeast Indiana’s competitiveness and support long-term economic growth. He oversees NEI’s Regional Initiatives team, which works alongside public, private, nonprofit, and educational partners to develop the assets, infrastructure, talent strategies, and policy frameworks that make the region an attractive destination for business expansion and investment.
Nick also leads NEI’s work in the defense and aerospace sector, helping position Northeast Indiana as a strategic location for national security-related industries. In addition, he directs the organization’s federal government relations efforts, advancing regional priorities through engagement with federal agencies, elected officials, and national partners.
Since joining NEI in 2018, Nick has played a key role in building regional partnerships and securing resources to support economic development initiatives across Northeast Indiana. Prior to NEI, he worked in personal and commercial banking and in state and local government.
After serving four years in the United States Marine Corps, Nick returned to Fort Wayne and attended Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and later an MBA.
Nick serves in leadership and advisory roles with several regional and statewide organizations, including Indiana United Ways, United Way of Allen County, the Northeast Indiana Defense Industry Association, INVets, D!NG, Trinity English Lutheran Church, and more. He has also been a volunteer Big Brother through Big Brothers Big Sisters for more than eight years.
Nick’s top five strengths in CliftonStrengths are:
- Analytical
- Maximizer
- Learner
- Belief
- Responsibility
Did You Know?
- Nick has known his wife, Emily, since the sixth grade. They have two young daughters, and they share their home with a St. Bernard and an English Mastiff.
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He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, where he served as an infantry rifleman with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. His service took him to Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Kuwait, Iraq, and Australia.
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It’s no secret that Nick was a Star Wars nerd before it was cool. He would constantly annoy his older sister as a child by watching the original trilogy on an endless loop.